Miniature hydro-power generation system

ABSTRACT

A miniature hydro-power generation system includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing may receive a flow of liquid flowing in a first direction at a predetermined range of pressure. The flow of liquid may be decreased by a predetermined amount of pressure and increased by a predetermined amount of velocity and channeled to a hydro-generator included in the inner housing with an inlet nozzle. The flow of liquid may be channeled with the inlet nozzle to flow in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Upon transfer of kinetic energy in the flow of liquid to the hydro-generator, the inner housing may rotate in the second direction. The flow of liquid may then be channeled back to the first direction and out of the housing with an outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle configured to increase the pressure and decrease the velocity of the flow of liquid to minimized non-laminar flow characteristics.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/847,842 filed Jul. 30, 2010, U.S. Pat. No. 7,956,481 issuing on Jun.7, 2011, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 7,768,147 issued on Aug.3, 2010, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 7,675,188 issued on Mar.9, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 7,663,257issued on Feb. 16, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No.7,119,451 issued on Oct. 10, 2006, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat.No. 6,927,501 issued on Aug. 9, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. Pat. No. 6,885,114 issued on Apr. 26, 2005, all of which are hereinincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electric power generationand, more particularly, to hydro-electric power generation with aminiature hydro-power generation system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydro-electric power generation in which kinetic energy is extractedfrom flowing pressurized water and used to rotate a generator to produceelectric power is known. In addition, use of other pressurized fluidssuch as gas, steam, etc, to rotate a generator is known. With largehydro-electric power generation operated with a large-scale water sourcesuch as a river or dam, thousands of megawatts of power may be generatedusing millions of gallons of flowing water. As such, conversion of thekinetic energy in the flowing water to electric power may includesignificant inefficiencies and yet still provide an economical andacceptable level of performance.

As the size of the hydro-electric power generation equipment becomessmaller, the magnitude of electric power produced also becomes smaller.In addition, the amount of flowing water from which kinetic energy maybe extracted becomes less. Thus, efficiency of the conversion of thekinetic energy in the flow of water to electric power becomessignificant. When there are too many inefficiencies, only small amountsof kinetic energy is extracted from the pressurized flowing water. As aresult, the amount of electric power produced diminishes as the size ofthe hydro-electric power generation equipment becomes smaller.

There are many small scale systems that include flowing pressurizedliquid and require electric power to operate. Some examples includeresidential water treatment systems, automatic plumbing fixtures, flowrate monitors, water testing equipment, etc.

There are several different types of water treatment systems thatinclude a carbon-based filter unit and an ultraviolet (UV) light unit tofilter and decontaminate the water before being dispensed forconsumption. The carbon-based filter unit uses inert material to filterout particulate and organic contaminants. Ultraviolet radiation that isemitted from the ultraviolet light unit is used to neutralize harmfulmicroorganisms present in the water.

In order to energize the ultraviolet light unit and any other electricpower consuming systems that may be in the water treatment system, apower source is required. Conventional water treatment systems use powerfrom a standard electrical outlet or a battery power source to providethe energy necessary to drive all of the components in the watertreatment system, including the ultraviolet light unit. In the case ofwater treatment systems powered by electrical outlets, the system haslimited portability and ceases to operate when there is an interruptionin the electrical outlet power supply.

Water treatment systems operated from battery power sources contain onlya finite supply of energy that is depleted through operation or storageof the water treatment system. In addition, replacement batteries mustbe readily available to keep the water treatment system operable. If alonger-term battery power source is desired, larger batteries arerequired that can add considerable weight and size to the watertreatment system.

Some existing water treatment systems are capable of using either thestandard electrical outlets or the battery power sources where thebattery power source can be replenished by the electrical outlet powersource. Although these water treatment systems do not requirereplacement batteries, the capacity and size of the batteries dictatethe length of operation of the water treatment system while operating onthe battery source. An electrical outlet source must also be utilized ona regular basis to replenish the batteries. In addition, these watertreatment systems require additional electrical circuits and componentsto operate from the two different power sources.

Automatic plumbing fixtures, such as toilet valves and sink faucets mayinclude an electrically operated valve and a sensor. The sensor maysense the presence of a user of the automatic plumbing fixture andoperate the electrically operated valve to provide a flow of water inresponse. Both the electrically operated valve and the sensor requireelectric power to operate. The power may be obtained by installing anelectric cable from a power distribution panel to the automatic plumbingfixture. Where the automatic plumbing fixture is installed in anexisting building, installation of a power distribution panel and/or anelectric cable can be costly, time consuming and difficult.

For the foregoing reasons, a need exists for miniature hydroelectricgeneration equipment that is small enough to fit within a system such asa water treatment system, an automatic plumbing fixture, etc. and iscapable of operating with enough efficiency to produce sufficient powerto operate the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a miniature hydro-power generationsystem. The miniature hydro-power generation system may be used in anyapplication with liquid flowing within a determined range of pressureand flow rate. For example, the miniature hydro-power generation systemmay be used to supply power to a water treatment system. In one exampleconfiguration, the miniature hydro-power generation system may includean enclosure that defines an interior chamber and a generator disposedin the interior chamber. The generator may include a plurality of vanes,a rotor that includes a permanent magnet, and a stator that includes acoil. The generator may be configured to rotate to induce an electricalcurrent in the coil with a magnetic field of the permanent magnet.

The miniature hydro-power generation system may also include an inletnozzle coupled with the enclosure. The inlet nozzle may include an inletchannel configured to receive a flow of liquid flowing in a firstdirection and channel the flow of liquid to strike the vanes and flow ina second direction that is always substantially perpendicular to thefirst direction. The generator is configured to rotate in the seconddirection with the flow of liquid. The miniature hydro-power generationsystem may also include an outlet nozzle coupled with the enclosure sothat the plurality of vanes are disposed between the inlet nozzle andthe outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle may be configured to receive theflow of liquid flowing in the second direction and direct the flow ofliquid to again flow substantially in the first direction.

A flow of liquid may be received by the inlet nozzle at a first pressureand a first velocity. The inlet nozzle may increase the velocity to asecond velocity and corresponding reduce the first pressure to a secondpressure and direct the flow of liquid to impact the vanes of thegenerator. The outlet nozzle may receive the flow of liquid at thesecond velocity and the second pressure. The outlet nozzle may decreasethe second velocity to be substantially equal to the first velocity, andincrease the second pressure to a third pressure that is greater thanthe second pressure, but less than first pressure.

In another example configuration, the miniature hydro-power generationsystem may include an outer housing and an inner housing disposed withinthe outer housing. The inner housing may include an inlet nozzle andoutlet nozzle fixedly coupled with the outer housing. The inner housingmay also include a turbine rotor having a plurality of paddles disposedin a central channel formed between the inlet nozzle and the outletnozzle. The inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle may be configured tosurround a portion of the turbine rotor, and the combination of theinlet nozzle, the outlet nozzle and the turbine rotor may be configuredto form the inner housing and a cavity inside the inner housing. Theminiature hydro-power generation system may also include a centering rodnon-rotatably coupled with the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle andextending through the inner housing. The turbine rotor may be rotatablewithin the outer housing around the centering rod.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of thepresently preferred embodiments, viewed in conjunction with the appendeddrawings. The foregoing discussion has been provided only by way ofintroduction. Nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation onthe following claims, which define the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a water treatment system coupled to one embodiment ofthe hydro-power generation system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of the nozzleillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates the water treatment system and the hydro-powergeneration system illustrated in FIG. 1 rotated 90 degrees with aportion of the hydro-power generation system sectioned away.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of another embodiment of thehydro-power generation system.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of the nozzle illustrated in FIG. 4taken along line 5-5.

FIG. 6 illustrates the hydro-power generation system illustrated in FIG.4 rotated 90 degrees with a portion of the hydro-power generation systemsectioned away.

FIG. 7 represents a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thehydro-power generation system coupled to the water treatment system.

FIG. 8 represents a top view of the embodiment of the hydro-powergeneration system illustrated in FIG. 7 with a portion of the statorhousing sectioned away.

FIG. 9 represents a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thehydro-power generation system.

FIG. 10 represents a cross-sectional view of a portion of thehydro-power generation system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 represents a side view of another embodiment of the hydro-powergeneration system.

FIG. 12 represents an end view of a nozzle illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 represents a cross-sectional view of the nozzle illustrated inFIG. 12 taken along line 13-13.

FIG. 14 represents another cross-sectional view of the nozzleillustrated in FIG. 12 taken along line 14-14.

FIG. 15 represents a cross-sectional view of a portion of an outerhousing of the hydro-power generation system illustrated in FIG. 11taken along line 15-15.

FIG. 16 represents a side view of the hydro-power generation systemillustrated in FIG. 11 with an inner housing removed.

FIG. 17 represents a cross-sectional view of a bottom portion of theouter housing of the hydro-power generation system illustrated in FIG.11 taken along line 17-17.

FIG. 18 represents an exploded perspective view of an inner housingincluded in the hydro-power generation system illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 19 represents a perspective view of a paddle included in thehydro-power generation system illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 20 represents a cross-sectional view of the paddle illustrated inFIG. 19 taken along line 20-20.

FIG. 21 represents a perspective view of a hydro-power generation systemthat includes a plumbing fixture.

FIG. 22 represents a cross-sectional side view of the plumbing fixtureillustrated in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 represents a schematic diagram of an example of a powercontroller included in the plumbing fixture of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 represents a schematic diagram of another example of a powercontroller included in the plumbing fixture of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a process flow diagram illustrating operation of thehydro-power generation system within the plumbing fixture of FIGS.21-24.

FIG. 26 represents a partially cross-sectioned side view of anotherembodiment of the hydro-power generation system.

FIG. 27 represents another cross-sectional side view of the hydro-powergeneration system of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 represents a perspective view of a water treatment system.

FIG. 29 represents an exploded perspective view of the water treatmentsystem illustrated in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 represents a perspective view of a valve body included in thewater treatment system of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 represents a perspective view of a manifold included in thewater treatment system of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 represents another perspective view of the manifold of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 represents an exploded perspective view of a filter module and amanifold included in the water treatment system illustrated in FIG. 29.

FIG. 34 represents an exploded perspective view of a manifold and areactor vessel included in the water treatment system illustrated inFIG. 29.

FIG. 35 represents an exploded perspective view of an elbow included inthe reactor vessel illustrated in FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 represents a perspective view of the water treatment systemillustrated in FIG. 28 with a portion of the housing removed.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a portion of the water treatment systemillustrated in FIG. 29.

FIG. 38 is a process flow diagram illustrating operation of the watertreatment system illustrated in FIG. 29.

FIG. 39 is a second part of the process flow diagram of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a cross section of another example miniature hydropowergeneration system.

FIG. 41 is an exploded view of the miniature hydropower generationsystem of FIG. 40.

FIGS. 42A-42B are views of a turbine rotor included in the miniaturehydropower generation system of FIGS. 40 and 41.

FIGS. 43A-43D are views of an inlet nozzle included in the miniaturehydropower generation system of FIGS. 40 and 41.

FIGS. 44A-44D are views of an outlet nozzle included in the miniaturehydropower generation system of FIGS. 40 and 41.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the invention are set forth below with reference to specificconfigurations, and those skilled in the art would recognize variouschanges and modifications could be made to the specific configurationswhile remaining within the scope of the claims. The illustratedembodiments may be used with any system that requires a power supply andincludes a water flow; however, the embodiments are designed forplumbing fixtures, systems such as a water treatment system forresidential or portable use, etc. Those skilled in the art would alsorecognize that the embodiments could be used with liquids other thanwater and use of the term “water” and “hydro” should not be construed asa limitation.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a water treatment system 10 connected with ahydro-power generation system 12. In this embodiment, the hydro-powergeneration system 12 includes a nozzle 14, a housing 16, an impeller 18and a housing outlet 20. The nozzle 14 is coupled with the watertreatment system 10 by a conduit 22. The conduit 22 may be formed of PVCplastic or similar material and may be coupled to the nozzle 14 bythreaded connection, friction fit or some other similar connectionmechanism.

During operation, pressurized water flows from the water treatmentsystem 10 into the hydro-power generation system 12 via the nozzle 14 asillustrated by arrow 24. The nozzle 14 is coupled with the housing 16such that water flows through the nozzle 14 and is forced through thehousing 16 to the housing outlet 20. In alternative embodiments, thehydro-power generation system 12 may be positioned within the watertreatment system 10 or positioned to receive a supply of pressurizedwater before the water enters the water treatment system 10

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of the nozzle 14.The nozzle 14 is a sonic nozzle that increases the velocity ofpressurized water flowing therethrough. In this embodiment, the nozzle14 is capable of increasing the velocity of the water to sub-sonicspeed. The nozzle 14 is formed of stainless steel or some other similarrigid material and includes a nozzle inlet 26 and a nozzle outlet 28.The nozzle inlet 26 is coupled to the water treatment system 10 aspreviously discussed. The nozzle outlet 28 is coupled to the housing 16by friction fit, snap-fit, threaded connection or some other similarcoupling mechanism capable of forming a watertight connectiontherebetween. The nozzle 14 may penetrate the housing 16 in any locationthat provides proper alignment of the nozzle 14 with the impeller 18 aswill be hereinafter discussed.

The nozzle 14 includes a passageway 30 that provides for the flow ofwater therethrough. The passageway 30 is formed to be a firstpredetermined diameter 32 at the nozzle inlet 26 and a secondpredetermined diameter 34 at the nozzle outlet 28. In this embodiment,the second predetermined diameter 34 is about twenty-six percent of thefirst predetermined diameter 32. The passageway 30 remains the firstpredetermined diameter 32 for a predetermined length of the nozzle 14.The remaining portion of the passageway 30 is conically shaped byuniformly tapering the passageway 30 to the second predetermineddiameter 34. In this embodiment, the passageway 30 of the nozzle 14tapers at an angle of approximately 18 degrees between the firstpredetermined diameter 32 and the second predetermined diameter 34.

The configuration of the passageway 30 determines the velocity of thewater exiting from the nozzle 14. In addition, the velocity of the waterat the nozzle outlet 28 is dependent on the pressure of the water sourceand the back pressure downstream of the nozzle 14. A desirablepredetermined range of the velocity at the nozzle outlet 28 may bedetermined using an expected range of pressure provided by the watertreatment system 10 (illustrated in FIG. 1) at the nozzle inlet 26. Forexample, in a household water system, the pressure of the water supplyis in a range of about twenty to sixty pounds-per-square-inch (PSI). Thepassageway 30 also provides a continuous and uniform stream of water atthe nozzle outlet 28. During operation water flowing through the nozzle14 flows into the housing 16 within a predetermined range of velocitiesand with a predetermined trajectory.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the housing 16 forms a conduit that may becomposed of plastic or some other similar waterproof material capable offorming a rigid passageway for water. In this embodiment, the housing 16includes a translucent portion as illustrated in FIG. 1 to allow viewingof the interior of the housing 16. The housing 16 is formed to encompassthe impeller 18 that is in fluid communication with water as the waterflows through the housing 16 after exiting the nozzle outlet 28.

The impeller 18 includes a plurality of blades 42 that are rigidlyfastened to a hub 44. The blades 42 are positioned in the housing 16such that water flowing from the nozzle 14 impinges upon the blades 42of the impeller 18 at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle isdetermined based on the expected pressure of the water at the nozzleinlet 26, the back pressure at the nozzle outlet 28 and the desiredrevolutions-per-minute (RPM) of the impeller 18. During operation, theflowing water acts on the impeller 18 causing it to rotate in a singledirection within the housing 16. As discussed in detail below, as theimpeller 18 rotates, this embodiment of the hydro-power generationsystem 12 converts the energy in the flowing water to rotational energy,which is then converted to electricity. In this embodiment, the impeller18 is submerged in the water flowing through the housing 16.

FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 rotated 90 degreeswith a portion of the housing 16 sectioned away. As illustrated, theimpeller 18 is coaxially fastened to a generator 46 by a longitudinalextending shaft 48. The shaft 48 may be stainless steel or some othersimilar rigid material that is fixedly coupled with the impeller 18. Thehub 44 of the impeller 18 is coaxially coupled to one end of the shaft48 and a generator shaft 50, which is part of the generator 46, iscoaxially coupled to the other end. The rigid coupling of the shaft 48to the impeller 18 and the generator 46 may be by welding, press-fit orother similar rigid connection.

The rotatable shaft 48 longitudinally extends to penetrate the housing16 through a watertight seal 52 made of rubber or other similarmaterial. The watertight seal 52 is coupled to the housing 16 and isformed to allow the shaft 48 to rotate freely without the escape ofwater from within the housing 16. The shaft 48 longitudinally extends tothe generator 46 that is positioned adjacent the housing 16. Althoughnot illustrated, the outer surface of the generator 46 may be coupled tothe housing 16 by, for example, nuts and bolts, rivets or other similarmechanism capable of fixedly coupling the housing 16 and generator 46.

During operation, as water flows through the housing 16 and the impeller18 rotates, shafts 48, 50 correspondingly rotate, causing electricity tobe produced from the generator 46. In an alternative embodiment, amagnetic coupler (not shown) is used in place of the shaft 48 toeliminate the need for penetration of the housing 16. In thisembodiment, the impeller 18 includes magnets with sufficient magneticstrength to rigidly couple with similar magnets positioned on thegenerator shaft 50 outside the housing 16. During operation, when theimpeller 18 rotates, the magnetic attraction of the magnets oriented onthe impeller and the magnets oriented on the generator shaft 50 causerotation of the generator shaft 50 thereby generating electricity fromthe generator 46.

In this embodiment, the generator 46 may be a permanent magnet generatorcapable of generating alternating current (AC). The alternating current(AC) may be rectified to produce direct current (DC). In an alternativeembodiment, the generator 46 may be capable of generating both AC and DCcurrent. The electricity is transferred from the generator 46 by aplurality of conductors 54 that may be wires, busses or other similarmaterials capable of conducting electricity. The voltage level of theelectricity produced is a function of the revolutions-per-minute of theimpeller 18. As previously discussed, the velocity of the water flowingfrom the nozzle 14 may be designed within a predetermined range therebycontrolling the voltage output of the electricity generated by thegenerator 46.

The alternating current or rectified direct current produced by thisembodiment may be used to power the water treatment system 10 and mayalso be used to charge an energy storage device (not shown) such as, forexample, a battery or capacitors. The rotation of the impeller 18 or theduration of the electricity being produced may also provide a mechanismfor flow-based measurements such as, flow rates or the quantity of waterthat has flowed through the water treatment system 10. The rotation ofthe impeller 18 or the duration of the electricity being produced may becombined with the back electromagnetic force (EMF) of the generator 46to provide the flow-based measurements. Those skilled in the art wouldrecognize that the hydro-power generation system 12 may also be used inother systems besides the water treatment system 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of another embodiment of thehydro-power generation system 12. This embodiment is similarly coupledto the water treatment system 10 as in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 and includes a nozzle 14, a housing 16, an impeller 18 and ahousing outlet 20. Similar to the previously discussed embodiment, thenozzle 14 provides water at high velocity that is directed at therotatable impeller 18. However, in this embodiment, the impeller 18 isnot submerged in water within the housing 16 during operation. As such,the water from the nozzle 14 forms a stream that is directed at theimpeller 18.

The nozzle 14 may be a sonic nozzle similar to the previously discussednozzle 14 illustrated in FIG. 2. The nozzle 14 penetrates the housing 16and is coupled thereto by a mounting plate 56. The mounting plate 56 ispositioned adjacently contacting the outer surface of the housing 16.Those skilled in the art would recognize that other methods exist thatcould be used to couple the nozzle 14 with the housing 16.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the nozzle 14 mounted inthe mounting plate 56 of this embodiment. The mounting plate 56 includesa longitudinal slot 58 and a pair of ears 60 that allow adjustment ofthe nozzle 14 to an optimal position in relation to the impeller 18. Inthis embodiment, the nozzle 14 may be fixedly mounted to the housing 16when the optimal position is achieved by inserting threaded screws inthe ears 60. In alternative embodiments, the mounting plate 56 providesa single predetermined desired position of the nozzle 14 when thefasteners such as, for example, threaded screws, rivets or pins fixedlymount the mounting plate 56 on the housing 16.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the desired position of the nozzle 14 is suchthat the nozzle 14 longitudinally extends into the housing 16. Thehousing 16 of this embodiment includes a housing cavity 62 that isdefined by the inner walls of the housing 16 as illustrated in FIG. 4.The housing cavity 62 is an air space that includes the impeller 18positioned therein. During operation, water is discharged from thenozzle 14 into the housing cavity 62 with a predetermined trajectory tostrike the impeller 18 at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angleis based on the desired RPM of the impeller 18 and the range of thepressure of water supplied to the nozzle 14 from the water treatmentsystem 10. The cooperative operation of the nozzle 14 and the impeller18 are not limited to operation with pressurized water and other fluidssuch as, for example, air could similarly be utilized.

As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the impeller 18 includes a pluralityof blades 64. Each of the blades 64 of this embodiment are fixedlycoupled to an impeller hub 66 at one end and include a paddle 68 formedat the opposite end. The impeller hub 66 is fixedly coupled to a shaft48 as in the previously discussed embodiments. Those skilled in the artwould recognize that the quantity of the blades 64 and the size of theimpeller 18 could vary depending on the application.

FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment hydro-power generation system 12illustrated in FIG. 5 rotated 90 degrees with a portion of the housing16 sectioned away for illustrative purposes. As illustrated, thehydro-power generation system 12 includes the housing 16 coupled to thegenerator 46 with the shaft 48 as in the previously discussedembodiments. In addition, the shaft 48, which is rotatable,longitudinally extends from the impeller 18 into the generator 46through the watertight seal 52. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft48 could be modified with a magnetic coupler, as previously described,thereby eliminating the penetration of the housing 16 and the watertightseal 52. As illustrated, the shaft 48 rotatably positions the impeller18 in the airspace within the housing cavity 62 with the paddles 68thereby rotating about the shaft 48.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, each of the paddles 68 of this embodiment areformed in a parabolic shape that includes a slot 70. The parabolic shapeof the paddles 68 provide a uniform receiver of the energy present inthe water discharged from the nozzle 14 (illustrated in FIG. 5). Theslots 70 allow the energy of the discharged water to pass to the nextpaddle 68 as the impeller 18 rotates. The transitional passing of theenergy in the discharged water to the next paddle 68 maximizes theefficiency of the energy transfer from the water to the impeller 18. Inalternative embodiments, the blades 64 could be formed in other shapesand configurations that are conducive to the efficient transfer ofenergy from other fluids discharged from the nozzle 14. For example,when the fluid is air, the blades 64 may be formed as vanes, fins orother similar structure capable of translating the energy from theflowing air to the rotation of the impeller 18.

During operation, after the stream of water strikes the impeller 18 at apredetermined angle, the water falls by gravity as indicated by arrow 72toward the housing outlet 20. As such, the water collects at the housingoutlet 20 and is thereby channeled out of the housing 16. Since theimpeller 18 is not submerged in water, the bulk of the energytransferred from the water stream to the impeller 18 is provided asrotational force to the shaft 48.

The rotation of the shaft 48 causes rotation of a portion of thegenerator 46. One embodiment of the generator 46 includes a rotor 76, afirst stator 78, and a second stator 80 positioned within a generatorhousing 82. The rotor 76 is fixedly coupled to the shaft 48 and rotatestherewith. The first and second stators 78, 80 are fixedly coupled tothe generator housing 82 and circumferentially surround the shaft 48.The rotor 76 is positioned between the first and second stators 78, 80to form the generator 46.

The rotor 76 of this embodiment may be in the form of a disk thatincludes a plurality of permanent magnets 84. The permanent magnets 84are uniformly place in predetermined positions within the rotor 76 tooperatively cooperate with the first and second stators 78, 80. Each ofthe first and second stators 78, 80 in this embodiment may also formdisks that include a plurality of coils 86. The coils 86 are positioneduniformly within the first and second stators 78, 80 to operativelycooperate with the permanent magnets 84. The coils 86 may beelectrically connected to form one or more windings that are operable togenerate electricity. The number of poles and the design of the firstand second stators 78, 80 are dependent on a number of factors. Thefactors include: the strength of the gaussian field formed by thepermanent magnets 84 and the back EMF, as well as the desired RPM andthe desired power output of the generator 46.

In this embodiment, the rotation of the rotor 76 causes magnetic fluxthat is generated by the permanent magnets 84 to similarly rotatethereby producing electricity in the first and second stators 78, 80.The rotor 76 and the first and second stators 78, 80 operativelycooperate to generate alternating current (AC). The AC may be rectifiedand stabilized by the generator 46 to supply both AC and direct current(DC). In an alternative embodiment, the permanent magnets 84 may bepositioned on the first and second stators 78, 80 such that thegenerator 46 is operable to generate direct current (DC). In anotheralternative embodiment, the generator 46 is similar to the generator 46discussed with reference to FIG. 3.

During operation, pressurized water may be supplied from the watertreatment system 10 (illustrated in FIG. 1) to the hydro-powergeneration system 12. As in the previous embodiments, alternativeembodiments of the hydro-power generation system 12 may supply water tothe water treatment system 10 or be positioned within the watertreatment system 10. In this embodiment, water is supplied from thewater treatment system 10 to the nozzle 14 as previously discussed.

Pressurized water flows through the nozzle 14 and discharges with highvelocity into the housing cavity 62 thereby striking the paddles 68 onthe impeller 18 at a predetermined angle of incidence. When the waterstrikes the paddles 68, the energy in the discharged water is translatedto the impeller 18 causing rotation in a single direction. As theimpeller 18 rotates, a portion of the discharged water stream alsostreams through the slots 70 and strikes another of the paddles 68 onthe impeller 18. Following the collision of the water with the paddles68 and the accompanying transfer of energy, the water falls by gravityto the housing outlet 20 and flows out of the housing 16. Accordingly,the housing cavity 62 remains an air space during operation and is notcompletely filled with water during operation.

The rotation of the impeller 18 causes rotation of the shaft 48 therebyrotating the rotor 76 of the generator 46. In this embodiment, the rotor76 rotates at about 2400 revolutions-per-minute (RPM). Rotation of therotor 76 induces the generation of electricity that is supplied to thewater treatment system 10. As previously discussed, the range of thevoltage level produced by the generator 46 is based on the range ofvelocity of the water flowing through the nozzle 14. Accordingly, thevoltage range of the generator can be selected by selecting apredetermined range of velocity for the flowing water through the nozzle14

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thehydro-power generation system 12 which is preferentially coupled withthe water treatment system 10. As illustrated, the hydro-powergeneration system 12 includes a rotor housing 102 and a stator housing104. The rotor housing 102 forms a conduit that may be composed ofplastic or other similar rigid material and includes an inlet 106 and anoutlet 108. During operation the inlet 106 receives the flowing water asillustrated by arrow 110 and the outlet 108 channels the flowing waterto the water treatment system 10. In alternative embodiments, thehydro-power generation system 12 may be positioned within the watertreatment system 10 or positioned to receive water flowing out of thewater treatment system 10. As previously discussed, the flow of waterthrough the hydro-power generation system 12 may be controlled by thewater treatment system 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the rotor housing 102 contains a rotor 112 andthe stator housing 104 contains a stator 114. The rotor 112 of thisembodiment may be a twelve-pole permanent magnet rotor having sixnorth/south pole combinations. As set forth in detail below, the stator114 of this embodiment may be an annular ring designed with eightnorth/south pole combinations. The rotor 112 and the stator 114cooperatively operate to produce electricity during operation. As knownin the art, a stator contains a stationary winding that can beconfigured to contain any number of poles depending on the magnitude ofthe voltage needed at the output. The number of poles in the windingdisclosed in the present embodiment should not be construed as alimitation on the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7 withthe top portion of the stator housing 104 sectioned away forillustrative purposes. The stator 114 is fixedly positioned in thestator housing 104 to circumferentially surround the rotor housing 102.The stator 114 includes a core 116, a plurality of salient poles 118 anda plurality of coils 120. The core 116 may be composed of iron, steel orother similar material and is formed to include the salient poles 118.In this embodiment, there may be eight salient poles 118 that are eachsurrounded by coils 120.

The salient poles 118 are formed on the stator 114 such that theycircumferentially surround the rotor housing 102. Each of the salientpoles 118 includes a formed end that is known in the art as a pole shoe122. The pole shoes 122 are located adjacent the rotor housing 102. Thepole shoes 122 conduct a constant magnetic flux formed by the rotor 112through the coils 120. The coils 120 may be wire or some other similarmaterial capable of conducting electricity and being wrapped around thesalient poles 118. Although not illustrated, the coils 120 areelectrically connected to form the winding. As known in the art, thenumber of turns of wire used for each coil 120 is determined by thevoltage and power requirements, the minimum and maximum revolutions ofthe rotor 112, the maximum allowable back-pressure, the requiredinductance and the magnetic gauss.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the stator 114 is transversely positionedperpendicular to the central axis of the rotor housing 102. Since thestator 114 is positioned outside the rotor housing 102, it is isolatedfrom fluid communication with the water flowing within the rotor housing102. The stator housing 104 is fixedly coupled to the rotor housing 102thereby providing a predetermined position on the rotor housing 102 forthe stator 114. In this embodiment, the stator housing 104 is coupledwith the external surface of the rotor housing 102 by a friction fit.Those skilled in the art would recognize that various other ways ofcoupling the rotor housing 102 and the stator housing 104 exist.

In this embodiment of the hydro-power generation system 12, the rotor112 includes a permanent magnet 124 that can be formed of metal,sintered metal, extruded metal, plastic injected or ceramic material.The permanent magnet 124 forms a constant magnetic flux and is coupledwith a rotor shaft 126. The rotor shaft 126, which is rotatable,longitudinally extends from opposite ends of the permanent magnet 124and may be composed of stainless steel or other rigid, corrosionresistant material. The permanent magnet 124 is formed with its centralaxis coaxial with the rotor shaft 126. The outer surface of thepermanent magnet 124 may be formed in a streamline shape to include atleast one rotor blade 128. The permanent magnet 124 of this embodimentis formed in a barrel shape with a single helical ridge forming therotor blade 128. In alternative embodiments, the rotor blade 128 couldbe turbine blades or other similar devices capable of inducing rotationof the rotor 112 when subjected to flowing water.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the rotor 112 is positioned within the rotorhousing 102 coaxial with the central axis of the rotor housing 102. Oneend of the rotor shaft 126 of the rotor 112 is inserted in a firstcollar 130 and the other end of the rotor shaft 126 is inserted in asecond collar 132. In this embodiment, the ends of the rotor shaft 126increase in diameter to form a solid sphere to facilitate fastening tothe first collar 130 and the second collar 132. The first collar 130 andthe second collar 132 are formed of plastic or other similar materialand create a transverse strut perpendicular to the central axis of therotor housing 102. The first collar 130 and the second collar 132 eachcontain a bearing 134 or other similar device to allow the rotor shaft126 to rotate freely. Additionally, the first collar 130 and the secondcollar 132 are coupled to the rotor housing 102 at a predetermineddistance from each other such that the rotor 112 can be suspendedtherebetween.

The rotor 112 is positioned in the rotor housing 102 such that waterflowing through the rotor housing 102 impinges upon the rotor blade 128that forms a part of the rotor 112. The rotor blade 128 acts as apaddle, causing the flowing water to act on the rotor 112. The flowingwater causes the rotor 112 to rotate in a single direction about thecentral axis of the rotor housing 102. The rotor 112 is positionedwithin the stator 114 such that the axis of the rotor 112 is concentricwith that of the stator 114. The rotor 112 operatively cooperates withthe stator 144 to form the generator.

During operation, as water is flowing and the rotor 112 is rotating, theconstant magnetic flux generated by the rotor 112 also rotates andpenetrates into the stator 114 thereby intrinsically creating power. Anair gap of a specified distance must be maintained between the rotor 112and the stator 114 to allow the constant magnetic flux from the rotor112 to induce the generation of electricity from the stator 114. Inthese embodiments, the “air gap” between the permanent magnet 124 of therotor 112 and the pole shoes 122 of the stator 114 consists of flowingwater and the rotor housing 102. The flow of fluid and the rotor housing102 do not affect the constant magnetic flux. Accordingly, the rotatingconstant magnetic flux from the rotating rotor 112 induces theproduction of electricity from the coils 120 of the stator 114.

As the water flows through the rotor housing 102 causing the rotor 112to rotate, the rotating constant magnetic flux is imparted on thewinding of the stator 114 and electricity is produced. The electricityflows through conductors 54 to power a device which is a water treatmentsystem 10 in this embodiment. The hydro-power generation system 12 ofthis embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 produces alternatingcurrent (AC) that may be used to power the water treatment system 10. Inan alternative embodiment, the hydro-power generation system 12 mayrectify the alternating current (AC) to produce direct current (DC). Inanother alternative embodiment, the hydro-power generation system 12supplies both AC and DC current to the water treatment system 10 byrectifying and stabilizing the alternating current (AC). The DC currentmay also be used to charge an energy storage device (not shown). Therotation of the rotor 112 and the duration that electricity is producedmay also be used to provide flow-based measurements such as, the flowrate or the quantity of water flowing through the water treatment system10.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment ofthe hydro-power generation system 12 that is similar in concept to theprevious embodiment disclosed with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8. Thisembodiment includes a rotor 112, a stator 114 and a turbine nozzle 140positioned in a housing 142. The housing 142 forms a conduit thatincludes an inlet 144 and an outlet 146. As water or some other fluidflows into the inlet 144 as illustrated by arrow 148, the water flowsthrough the housing 142 and is channeled out of the housing 142 by theoutlet 146. In one embodiment, the hydro-power generation system 12 maybe positioned within a water treatment system 10 (illustrated in FIG.1), following the water treatment system 10 or supplying water to thewater treatment system 10.

The housing 142 may be formed of plastic or similar rigid materialcapable of channeling water. The housing 142 of this embodiment includesa first section 152 and a second section 154 to facilitate assembly andmaintenance. The first and second sections 152, 154 may be fixedlycoupled by gluing, friction fit, threaded connection, sonic welding orsome other means of providing a similar rigid connection. The housing142 forms a passageway 156 for the flow of water therethrough. Fixedlypositioned within the passageway 156 is the turbine nozzle 140.

The turbine nozzle 140 of this embodiment may be generally conical inshape and may be formed of plastic or some other similar rigid material.The turbine nozzle 140 may be integrally formed to include a tip 158 anda plurality of struts 160. The tip 158 may be centrally located in thepassageway 156 and serves to direct the flowing water outwardly towardthe inner wall of the housing 142. The struts 160 are fixedly coupled tothe inner wall of the housing 142 by, for example friction fit,snap-fit, threaded connection or other similar rigid connection.

The struts 160 fixedly hold the turbine nozzle 140 in the passageway 156and include a plurality of channels 162 to allow water to flow throughthe housing 142. The size of the channels 162 may be adjusted to controlthe velocity of the flowing water. As in the nozzle 14, previouslydiscussed with reference to FIG. 2, a predetermined range of velocitycan be determined. The predetermined range of velocity is based on theexpected pressure range of the water flowing in the inlet 144 as well asthe backpressure of the hydro-power generation system 12. In addition,the struts 160 may be oriented in a predetermined configuration to actas vanes to direct the flowing water. The flowing water may be directed,for example, to act upon the rotor 112 in a predetermined way, toeliminate turbulence, to adjust pressure drop or to increase theefficiency of operation.

FIG. 10 is cutaway top view of a portion of the hydro-power generationsystem 12 of FIG. 9 illustrating the nozzle 140 and the struts 160within the first section 152 of the housing 142. The struts 160 may bepositioned at a determined distance 1002, such as 4.42 millimeters(0.174 inches) from each other around the outside of the nozzle 140 toform the channels 162. Each of the struts 160 includes a leading end1004 and a trailing end 1006. The leading end 1004 of adjacently locatedstruts 160 may form an entry duct, and the trailing end 1006 ofadjacently located struts 160 may form an exit duct. The flow of liquid,as indicated by arrow 148, first reaches the leading end 1004 and entersthe entry duct. Within the channels 162, the liquid is increased invelocity prior to reaching the trailing end 1006 of the struts 160.

The width of the channels 162 may become gradually narrower toward thetrailing end 1006 as illustrated. As such, the cross-sectional areabetween the channels is reduced by a predetermined amount such as about10% to 20%. Since the pressurized liquid is forced into an increasinglynarrower channel 162, velocity increases. The gradual reduction incross-sectional area between the channels 162 minimizes back pressurewhile increasing the velocity of the flowing liquid. In addition,non-laminar flow of liquid within the channels 162 is minimized by thegradually narrowing channels 162.

The struts 160 may also include a plurality of flow straightners 1008.The flow straightners 1008 may be included in the channels 162 tofurther minimize non-laminar flow. Similar to the struts 160, the flowstraightners 1008 may be fixedly coupled with the inner wall of thefirst section 152 and extend into the channels 162. The example flowstraightners 1008 may include a blade 1010 coupled with a body 1012. Theblade 1010 may be a substantially straight section of the flowstraightners 1008 that extends from near the leading end 1004 toward thetrailing end 1006 of each of the struts 160. The body 1012 may bespherical shaped body that is positioned a determined distance upstreamof the exit duct formed by the trailing ends 1006 of the adjacentlypositioned struts 160. In other examples, the flow straightners 1008 maybe any other hydrodynamic shape to define the flow of liquid andmaximize uniform flow thorough the channels 162.

As further illustrated in FIG. 10, the nozzle 140 may be divided into acompression region 1016 followed by a settlement region 1018. Within thecompression region 1016, an abrupt transition in the direction of flowof the liquid may occur. The abrupt transition may increase turbulencein the flow of liquid. Turbulence may increase as the volume of liquidcapacity within the first section 152 decreases. As the volumedecreases, compression and the velocity of the liquid increase. Thedecrease in volume in the compression region 1016 may be predeterminedto achieve a desired flow rate based on the expected pressure range ofthe flowing liquid. Within the compression region 1016, the flowingliquid is forced outward toward the inner wall of the housing 142 whichmay increase turbulence and/or non-laminar flow.

The settlement region 1018 provides an area with a uniform volume ofliquid capacity that allows turbulence in the flowing liquid to subsideand the liquid to have a more laminar flow. The settlement region 1018may be a predetermined length based on the projected amount ofturbulence in the flowing liquid. Non-laminar flow of the liquid may bereduced prior to entering the channels 162. Within the channels 162, thevelocity of the flowing liquid is further increased, and the liquid isthen directed to the rotor 112.

Referring again to FIG. 9, the rotor 112 of this embodiment includes aturbine rotor 164, a rotor shaft 166 and a permanent magnet 168. Therotor 112 is rotatably positioned within the passageway 156 such thatwater flowing in the passageway 156 causes rotation of the rotor 112about a central axis 170 of the housing 142. Rotation of the rotor 112occurs when the flowing water acts upon the turbine rotor 164. Theturbine rotor 164 may be formed of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic orother similar rigid material that is capable of withstanding therotational forces and the force of the flowing water. The turbine rotor164 includes at least one turbine blade 172 and a body 174.

The turbine blade 172 is positioned to receive energy from water flowingthrough the struts 160. The turbine blade 172 may be a plurality ofvanes, a helical ridge or other mechanism formed on the body 174 that iscapable of converting the energy of the flowing water to rotationalenergy. The turbine blade 172 of this embodiment is integrally formedwith the body 174 and extends until positioned adjacent the inner wallof the housing 142. The body 174 may be formed to define a cavity 176that circumferentially surrounds a portion of the rotor shaft 166.

It should be noted by the reader that the depth of the channels 162 areless than the depth of the turbine blade 172 with respect to the innerwall of the housing 142. The differential depth provides circulation ofthe flowing water as will be hereinafter discussed. In addition, theflow path of the water is substantially straight past the stator 114.The volume of the flow path is also larger following the channels 162 toprovide a determined drop in pressure of the flowing water. The flowingwater therefore discharges substantial amounts of kinetic energy to therotating turbine blade 172 as the water flows past the turbine blade172. The kinetic energy in the flowing water is efficiently extracted bythe turbine blades 172 without significant losses and inefficienciessince only the turbine blades 172 are directly in the high velocitystream of flowing water.

The rotor shaft 166 is rotatable and may be integrally formed with theturbine rotor 164 or, the rotor shaft 166 may be fixedly coupled theretoby press-fit, threaded connection or similar coupling mechanism. Therotor shaft 166 may be stainless steel or other similar rigid materialthat may longitudinally extend through the permanent magnet 168. Thepermanent magnet 168 may be an extruded magnet or plastic injectedmagnet. Alternatively, the permanent magnet may be formed of metal,sintered metal, ceramic material or some other similar material withmagnetic properties. The permanent magnet 168 may be fixedly coupled tothe rotor shaft 166 by friction fit, molding or other similar mechanism.The rotor 112 is rotatable held in position by a plurality of bearings178.

The bearings 178 circumferentially surround a portion of the rotor shaft166 at opposite ends of the permanent magnet 168. The bearings 178 maybe carbon graphite, Teflon, ball bearings, ceramic, ultra high molecularweight (UHMW) polyethylene or other similar bearings capable ofwithstanding the rotation of the rotor shaft 166. In this embodiment,the bearings 178 are lubricated by water present in the passageway 156.In addition, the flowing water is operable to cool the bearings 178 aswill be hereinafter described. The bearings 178 are fixedly coupled andheld in position by the stator 114.

The stator 114 of this embodiment includes a plurality of exit guidevanes 180, a fin 182, a plurality of coils 184 and a cap 186. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, the stator 114 is fixedly positioned in thepassageway 156 by the exit guide vanes 180. The exit guide vanes 180 arefixedly coupled with the inner wall of the housing 142 by, for example,glue, friction fit, snap fit or similar rigid coupling mechanism. Theexit guide vanes 180 longitudinally extend parallel with the inner wallof the housing 142 and provide channels for the flow of watertherethrough. The exit guide vanes 180 are formed to channel the flowingwater to the outlet 146 to reduce turbulence, air bubbles, back pressureand other similar behavior of the flowing water that may effectefficient operation. The fin 182 is similarly formed to channel theflowing water to the outlet 146.

Although not illustrated, the exit guide vanes 180 may be formed in aswirl pattern that resembles a helically shaped coil (or rifling) thatis concentric with the central axis 170. The exit guide vanes 180 maygradually un-coil in the direction of the fin 182 to eventually becomesubstantially parallel with the central axis 170. In this configuration,the exit guide vanes 180 may reduce turbulence and create a laminarflow.

During operation, liquid received by the exit guide vanes 180 mayinclude a swirling tendency due to the rotation of the turbine blade172. The swirling tendency in the liquid may substantially match theswirl pattern of the exit guide vanes 180. Accordingly, the liquidenters the exit guide vanes 180 without abrupt directional changes thatcan cause turbulence. While being channeled by the exit guide vanes 180,the swirling tendency in the liquid may be gradually minimized by thegradual un-coiling of the exit guide vanes 180. Thus, the liquid mayexit the exit guide vanes 180 with a substantially laminar flow tomaximize efficient operation.

The coils 184 are formed on a core (not shown) to circumferentiallysurround the rotor 112 and form a winding. The coils 184 are separatedfrom the rotor 112 by an air gap 188. The coils 184 are fixedly coupledwith the exit guide vanes 180. In addition, the coils 184 may be fixedlycoupled with the bearings 178 and the fin 182. The coils 184 may befixedly coupled to the exit guide vanes 180, the bearings 178 and thefin 182 by, for example, glue or by being integrally formed therewith.In this embodiment, the coils 184 are positioned within the passageway156, but are waterproof to avoid fluid communication with the flowingwater. The coils 184 may be made waterproof by being, for example,potted with epoxy, injection molded with rubber or plastic,ultrasonically sealed or otherwise isolated from the water by a similarwaterproofing mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the coils 184 maybe located outside the housing 142 as in the embodiment previouslydiscussed with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

The coils 184 are also water proofed by the cap 186. The cap 186 ispositioned to seal the end of the coils 184 that is adjacent the turbinerotor 164 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The cap 186 may be removably coupledto the coils 184 by threaded connection or may be fixedly coupled to thecoils 184 by glue or integral formation therewith. The cap 186 is formedto partially surround the bearing 178 and radially extend apredetermined distance that is equal to the radius of the stator 114.The predetermined distance of the cap 186 extends closer to the innerwall of the housing 142 than the body 174 of the turbine rotor 164. Thedifference in the distance from the inner wall of the housing 142 to thecap 186 and the body 174 provides for circulation of the flowing wateras will be hereinafter discussed.

During operation, water flowing through the inlet 144 and into thepassageway 156 experiences a predetermined increase in velocity as thepressurized water flows through the channels 162. The flowing water isdirected by the struts 160 to achieve a predetermined angle of incidenceon the turbine blade 172 that imparts rotation on the rotor 112. Due tothe differential depth of the channel 162, the turbine blade 172 and thecap 182, the flowing water is circulated into the cavity 176.Circulation of the flowing water through the cavity 176 provides coolingand lubrication of the adjacently positioned bearing 178.

In this embodiment, the rotor 112 rotates above about 5,000revolutions-per-minute (RPM), such as in a range of between about 5,000RPM and about 10,000 RPM or in a range between about 4,000 RPM and about12,000 RPM. Rotation above about 5,000 RPM may be based on a liquid flowrate of about 3.78 liters/minute to about 11.35 liters/minute (about 1to 3 gallons/minute) in a liquid pressure range of about 415 kPa toabout 690 kPa (about 60 to 100 lbs./sq. inch). Rotation above about5,000 RPM may also be based on a liquid flow rate of about 0.76liters/minute to about 3.78 liters/minute (about 0.2 to about 1gallons/minute) in a liquid pressure range of about 103.4 kPa to about415 kPa (about 15 to 60 PSI). Depending on the physical properties ofthe liquid and/or manufacturing tolerances, the dimensions, the RPM, thepressure and the flow rates discussed herein may vary by as much as 10%to 20%.

To operate in this RPM range, the hydro-power generation system may beminiaturized to reduce inefficiency due to fluid impedance (or windagelosses). As used herein, the term “fluid impedance” is defined as fluidfriction and/or any other fluid effects that may compromise maximizationof the transfer of kinetic energy to rotational energy.

Miniaturization of the hydro-power generation system minimizes surfaceareas that are subject to fluids as the rotor 112 rotates. In addition,the weight of the hydro-power generation system is minimized. Forexample, the diameter of the passageway 156 may be in a range of about6.35 millimeters to about 51 millimeters (about 0.25 inches to about 2inches). In addition, the depth of the channels 162 may be about 0.76millimeters to about 2.54 millimeters (about 0.03 inches to about 0.1inches) and the depth of the turbine blade 172 may be about 0.89millimeters to about 3.8 millimeters (about 0.035 inches to about 0.15inches.

The higher RPM that is achievable due to the miniaturization and fluidimpedance reductions maximizes power generation efficiency. For example,the generator may produce between about 0.27 and 30 watts when rotatingbetween about 5,000 and 10,000 RPM. In addition, the size (and weight)of the permanent magnet 168 may be dimensioned to optimize the powerproduction of the hydro-power generation system 12.

The high RPM revolution of the rotor 112 within the stator 114efficiently produces electricity when the hydro-power generation system12 is operating. The hydro-power generation system 12 is capable ofgenerating alternating current (AC). In alternative embodiments, thehydro-power generation system 12 may produce (DC) current. In anotheralternative embodiment, the hydro-power generation system 12 may bedesigned to produce both AC current and DC current by rectification andstabilization of the AC current. As previously discussed, the number ofpoles and the size and configuration of the coils 184 is dependent onthe back pressure, the required RPM's and the target energy output ofthe hydro-power generation system 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9, another embodiment of thehydro-power generation system 12 discussed in conjunction with theembodiments of these figures is operable to supply multiple voltage andcurrent levels. The multiple voltage and current levels are supplied byswitching the coils of the hydro-power generation system 12 between aseries configuration and a parallel configuration. Although notillustrated, a microprocessor or other similar control unit that cansense the voltage and current output of the hydro-power generationsystem 12 and the present voltage and current needs of the watertreatment system 10 may be used to selectively switch the coils betweenseries and parallel configurations. Alternatively, RPM may be used toselectively switch the coils. Selective switching of the coils may beapplied to embodiments that produce direct current (DC) or alternatingcurrent (AC).

For example, some ultraviolet (UV) light sources require a relativelylow predetermined alternating current for initial energization and arelatively high voltage level. Following initial energization, the UVlight source requires a relatively high alternating current but requiresa relatively low voltage level to remain energized. In a water treatmentsystem for example, the UV light source may be a low pressure mercurylamp or a cold cathode lamp and the starting voltage and the runningstate voltage may be provided by a ballast. Alternatively, thehydro-power generation system 12 may provide a ballast function asdescribed below and the ballast may be eliminated. The mercury lampand/or the cold cathode lamp may remove bacteria and other impuritiesfrom water.

During operation, when the hydro-power generation system 12 isgenerating electricity, the coils may be selectively placed in a seriesconfiguration by the microprocessor. The series configuration generatesa predetermined alternating current at a predetermined voltage levelthat is capable of initially energizing the UV light source with thestartup voltage. Following initial energization of the UV light source,the coils are selectively reconfigured to a parallel configuration toprovide a predetermined alternating current at a predetermined voltagelevel capable of maintaining energization of the UV light source withthe running state voltage. Switching the coils of the hydro-powergeneration system 12, as previously discussed, may provide for variousvoltage and current requirements of any electrical device in any systemsupplied power by the hydro-power generation system 12.

In another embodiment, the hydro-power generation system 12 discussed inconjunction with the previously discussed embodiments may be providedwith a plurality of taps representing different groups of coils formedinto windings. The taps are operable to supply a plurality of differentpredetermined voltage levels by electrically connecting differentnumbers of coils to form the windings. The water treatment system 10 maybe configured to operatively switch between the taps during operationusing a microprocessor or some other similar device. Accordingly, in theUV light source example previously discussed, one tap may be used forinitial energization to provide the startup voltage and another tap maybe used for continuous operation to provide the running state voltage.In addition, different taps may be used on an ongoing basis to operatedifferent electrical devices in the water treatment system 10 dependingon the power requirements of the electrical devices. Tap switching mayalso be used to control the RPM of the generator. Where the RPMs arebelow a desired threshold, for example, taps may be adjusted to dropcoils out thereby increasing the RPM. Tap switching of the hydro-powergeneration system 12 may also provide various voltage levels for anysystem supplied power by the hydro-power generation system 12.

In yet another embodiment of the hydro-power generation system 12discussed in conjunction with the previously discussed embodiments, theback electromagnetic force (EMF) that is present is advantageouslyreduced. As known in the art, the back EMF of a permanent magnetgenerator is increased by flux concentrators that are formed by metallaminations in the core of the generator. The flux concentrators areoperable to improve the generating efficiency of the generator, butsupply back EMF that must be overcome to rotate the rotor.

In the application of the hydro-power generation system 12 to a watertreatment system 10, some UV light sources have varying powerrequirements during startup and operation. By using the previouslydiscussed embodiments of the hydro-power generation system 12 and notinclude the flux concentrators, the operational requirements of the UVlight source may be met.

During operation, prior to energization of the water treatment system10, the rotational load (the back EMF) on the hydro-power generationsystem 12 may be relatively low. The rotational load may be relativelylow since the hydro-power generation system 12 of this embodiment doesnot include the flux concentrators and the water treatment system 10 isnot using power. The elimination of the flux concentrators results in areduction in cogging torque thereby allowing quick spin-up of thegenerator. As such, when water flows through the hydro-power generationsystem 12, the rotor is operable to accelerate to a predeterminedrelatively high RPM in a relatively short period of time.

The relatively high RPM supplies a predetermined voltage (startupvoltage) at a predetermined alternating current (AC) that is capable ofinitially energizing, for example, the UV light source in the watertreatment system 10. Following initial energization of the UV lightsource, the rotational load on the hydro-power generation system 12 isincreased thereby slowing the RPM of the rotor. The slower RPM of therotor provides a predetermined low voltage (running state voltage) witha corresponding predetermined alternating current (AC) thereby allowingcontinued energization of the UV light source. The reader shouldrecognize that the “instant-on” capability provided by the hydro-powergeneration system 12 of this embodiment may eliminate the need forenergy storage devices to power the UV light source in the watertreatment system 10 since the UV light source will be energized atalmost the same time the water begins to flow.

FIG. 11 is another embodiment of the hydro-power generation system 12depicted in a partial cross-section view. Similar to the previousembodiments, the hydro-power generation system 12 may be used in a watertreatment system 10. In addition, the hydro-power generation system 12may be included in any other form of system with flowing pressurizedliquid. The hydro-power generation system 12 may also include featuresof a water treatment system such as a UV light source, filters,electronics, etc.

The illustrated hydro-power generation system 12 includes an outerhousing 1102 depicted with a side cover removed. In addition, thehydro-power generation system 12 includes an inner housing 1104, acentering rod 1106 and a nozzle 1108. The outer housing 1102 may beplastic, metal, carbon fiber or other rigid material and includes acavity 1110. The cavity 1110 is an airspace that is sized to accommodatethe inner housing 1104 without the inner housing 1104 contacting aninterior surface 1112 of the outer housing 1102. Also included in theouter housing 1102 is an outlet 1114. The outlet 1114 may be an aperturethat allows liquid present in the outer housing 1102 to drain by gravityfrom the cavity 1110 to maintain the airspace during operation.

The inner housing 1104 may be generally cylindrical and form of plastic,metal, carbon fiber or other similar material. The inner housing 1104may be mounted in the outer housing 1102 to surround at least a portionof the centering rod 1106 within the cavity 1110 of the outer housing1102. The centering rod 1106 may be fixedly coupled with the outerhousing 1102 and extend into the inner housing 1104. The centering rod1106 may be any rigid, longitudinally extending material such asstainless steel.

A plurality of bushings 1116 may be coupled with the inner housing 1104and surround the centering rod 1106. Each of the bushings 1116 may be asleeve formed from plastic, metal or other similar material. Thebushings 1116 may be formed with an aperture to accommodate thecentering rod 1106, and an outer surface formed to fit within anaperture in the outer surface of the inner housing 1104. The aperture inthe bushing 1116 may be large enough to allow the bushing 1116 to rotatearound the centering rod 1106 within the outer housing 1102 withoutcontacting the centering rod 1106. The outer surface of the bushing 1116may be fixedly coupled with the outer surface of the inner housing 1104such that the inner housing 1104 and the bushing 1116 rotate together.Alternatively, the bushing 1116 and the inner housing 1104 may rotateindependently around the centering rod 1106.

The inner housing 1104 may also include a plurality of paddles 1118fixedly coupled and extending outwardly from an outer surface 1120 ofthe inner housing 1104. The paddles 1118 may be formed of plastic,carbon fiber, metal or other similar material. The paddles 1118 may bepositioned perpendicular to the outer surface 1120 of the inner housing1104 such that each of the paddles 1118 are located adjacent to thenozzle 1108 at some point as the inner housing 1104 rotates.

The nozzle 1108 may be mounted to extend into the cavity 1110 betweenthe inner housing 1104 and the outlet 1114 as illustrated. Similar tothe nozzle 14 previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-5, thenozzle 1108 increases the velocity of pressurized liquid. Pressurizedliquid supplied to a nozzle inlet 1122 at a first velocity flows throughthe nozzle 1108 and is discharged from a nozzle outlet 1124 at a secondvelocity that is substantially higher than the first velocity. Liquiddischarged into the cavity with the nozzle 1108 is directed through theair space at the paddles 1118.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the nozzle 1108 viewed from the nozzle inlet1122 (FIG. 11). The nozzle 1108 includes a passageway 1202 that is anaxial bore that reduces in diameter toward the nozzle outlet 1124 (FIG.11). Included in the passageway 1202 is a rib 1204. The rib 1204 iscoupled with an inner surface 1206 of the nozzle 1108 and extendsoutwardly from the inner surface 1206 towards a central axis 1208 of thenozzle 1108.

FIG. 13 is a cutaway bottom view of the nozzle 1108 depicted in FIG. 12that includes the rib 1204. The passageway 1202 through the nozzle 1108includes a first angled section 1302 adjacent to the nozzle inlet 1122followed by a first straight section 1304, a tapered section 1306, asecond angled section 1308, and a second straight section 1310 thatforms the nozzle outlet 1124. The passageway 1202 may be a predeterminedentry diameter such as about 10.8 millimeters at the nozzle inlet 1122.Within the first angled section 1302, the diameter of the passageway1202 may uniformly reduce in diameter toward the nozzle outlet 1124 at apredetermined angle (θ) with respect to the central axis 1208, such asabout 20 degrees.

At a first straight section 1304, the diameter of the passageway 1202may be a predetermined first nozzle diameter such as about 5.8millimeters. Through the first straight section 1304 of the passageway1202, the interior surface 1206 may be about parallel with the centralaxis 1208 and is therefore maintained at the first nozzle diameter. Inthe tapered section 1306, the interior surface 1202 may have a radius ofcurvature. The radius of curvature may form a portion of a circle with apredetermined radius, such as about 8.7 millimeters. The diameter of thepassageway 1202 in the second angled section 1308 may reduce at auniform rate toward the nozzle outlet 1124 at a predetermined angle (θ)with respect to the central axis 1208, such as about 20 degrees. Thesecond straight section 1310 may form the nozzle outlet 1124 bymaintaining the passageway 1202 at a predetermined second nozzlediameter such as about 1.85 millimeters.

The first and second nozzle diameters may be determined based on theavailable range of pressure of the liquid supplied to the nozzle 1108.In one example, the diameter of the first straight section 1304 mayremain relatively unchanged and the diameter of the second straightsection 1310 may be varied based on the pressure of the liquidintroduced to the nozzle 1108. For example, the diameter of the firststraight section 1304 may remain about 5.8 millimeters and the secondstraight section 1310 may be formed to be about 1.9 millimeters or less.Accordingly, the diameter of the second straight section 1310 (thenozzle outlet 1124) of the nozzle 1108 is about 33% or less of thediameter of the first straight section 1304 of the nozzle 1108.

In another example, the second straight section 1310 may be formed in arange between about 0.8 millimeters and about 1.9 millimeters (betweenabout 0.03 and 0.075 inches) for use with liquid pressurized at thenozzle inlet 1122 between about 34 kPa and 850 kPa (between about 5 and125 PSI). In this example, the nozzle 1108 may be between about 14% andabout 33% of the diameter of the first straight section 1304 of thenozzle 1108. The resulting flow rate through the nozzle 1108 for thisexample may be in a range of about 0.44 liters/minute at 34 kPa to about4.16 liters/minute at about 850 kPa (about 0.115 gallons-per-minute toabout 1.1 gallons-per-minute).

The rib 1204 may be any configuration to minimize swirling and othernon-laminar behavior of the liquid flowing through the passageway 1102.The illustrated rib 1204 begins at the nozzle inlet 1122 and extends apredetermined distance along the central axis 1208 through the firstangled section 1302, the first straight section 1304, and into thetapered section 1306. Although depicted as having a uniform width, inother examples, the rib 1204 may include one or more tapered widthsections, bulbs, curves or any other configuration to promote laminarflow of the liquid through the nozzle 1108. In addition, the length ofthe rib 1204 may be shorter or longer than illustrated to best eliminateswirling of the liquid flowing through the passageway 1202.

FIG. 14 is a cutaway side view of the nozzle 1108 that includes the rib1204 depicted in FIG. 12. The example rib 1204 extends outwardly fromthe interior surface 1206 towards the central axis 1208 a determinedfirst distance at the nozzle inlet 1122 of the passageway 1202. Thedistance that the rib 1204 extends from the interior surface 1206gradually diminishes to zero as the rib 1204 extends along the centralaxis 1208 towards the nozzle outlet 1124. In the illustrated example,the rib 1204 is tapered to extend a distance that becomes progressivelyfurther from the central axis 1208 as the rib 1204 extends towards thenozzle outlet 1124 along the central axis 1208. In addition, thedistance between the interior surface 1206 and the central axis 1208becomes less toward the nozzle outlet 1124 further tapering the rib 1204as illustrated. In other examples, the rib 1204 may form any other shapeto reduce swirling effects and promote laminar flow of the liquidthrough the nozzle 1108.

Referring again to FIG. 11, during operation, liquid flowing through thenozzle 1108 may be maintained with laminar flow while the velocity ofthe liquid is accelerated within the nozzle 1108. The liquid may beextruded from the nozzle 1108 in a stream at high velocity. Due to thesubstantially laminar flow, the extruded stream of liquid may remain awell defined stream of about the same diameter as the nozzle outlet 1124following discharge. Thus, liquid spray produced by the extruded streamof liquid is minimized and the kinetic energy of the flowing liquid maybe concentrated in a relatively small area.

The extruded stream of liquid may be directed at the paddles 1118. Uponstriking the paddles 1118, the kinetic energy present in the liquid maybe efficiently transferred to rotational energy of the inner housing1104. As the inner housing 1104 rotates, each of the paddles 1118 mayenter the extruded stream of high velocity liquid discharged from thenozzle 1108 and receive substantially all the kinetic energy present inthe flowing extruded stream of liquid.

Once the kinetic energy is extracted from the liquid, the liquid mayfall by gravity to the outlet 1114 and is channeled out of the outerhousing 1102. Due to the channeling, the outer housing 1102 remainssubstantially empty of liquid. Although some liquid is present due tothe constant flow of liquid discharged from the nozzle 1108, thechanneling may maintain the level of liquid in the outer housing 1102low enough that the nozzle 1108 and the inner housing 1104 are notsubmerge in the liquid. Accordingly, the nozzle 1108 and the innerhousing 1104 operate in an airspace within the outer housing 1102 withminimized fluid impedance losses.

Some of the liquid may temporarily remain on the paddles 1118, and bethrown by the rotational force of the inner housing 1104 onto the innersurface 1112 of the outer housing 1102. In addition, some of the liquidmay impact the paddles 1118 and be deflected onto the inner surface1112.

The inner surface 1112 may be formed with ducting to minimize liquidspray within the cavity 1110. Minimization of liquid spray within thecavity 1110 minimizes fluid impedance losses of the rotating innerhousing 1104 by keeping excess liquid away from the rotating innerhousing 1104. The ducting included on the inner surface 1112 may also beformed with a swirl pattern designed to efficiently collect the liquidspray and channel the liquid to the outlet 1114. Accordingly, the cavity1110 remains substantially empty of liquid and substantially filled withair (or some other gas) during operation such that the nozzle outlet1124 of the nozzle 108 is not submerged in the liquid.

FIG. 15 illustrates one example of the inner surface 1112 in across-sectional view of the outer housing 1102 of FIG. 11. The innersurface 1112 includes ducting in the form of a plurality of fingers 1502extending outward from the inner surface 1112 towards the inner housing1104 (FIG. 11). Each of the fingers 1502 may be formed as individualpyramid shaped members. In other examples, the fingers 1502 may begrooves, rings, struts, tracks or any other form of irregularity in theinner surface 1112 of the outer housing 1102. The fingers 1502 may bepositioned in a determined pattern. The pattern may be a swirl patternbased on modeling or analysis of the liquid flung from the rotatinginner housing 1104 and paddles 1118 to minimize the liquid spray andmaximize channeling of the liquid to the outlet 1114 (FIG. 11).

The fingers 1502 may minimize liquid spray of the liquid that contactsthe interior surface 1112 of the outer housing 1102. In addition, thefingers 1502 may be configured to channel the water to a center channel1504 and outer channels 1506 included in the outer housing 1102. Thecenter channel 1504 and outer channels 1506 may be v-shaped grooves orsome other form of conduit to channel the liquid toward the outlet 1114(FIG. 11). The interior surface 1112 may also include a plurality ofbranch channels 1508. The branch channels 1508 may be arcuate pathwaysin the interior surface 1112 that channel the liquid to the centerchannel 1504 or the outer channels 1506. The channels may also bepositioned in a swirl pattern based on modeling or analyzing the liquidflung from the rotating inner housing 1104 to minimize the liquid sprayand maximize channeling of the liquid to the outlet 1114 (FIG. 11).

The fingers 1502 may be positioned along each of the branch channels1508. Liquid that impacts on the fingers 1502 may be “captured” by thefingers 1502. The liquid may flow off the fingers 1502 into the branchchannels 1508 and then into the center channel 1504 or the outerchannels 1506.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the outer housing 1102 depicted in FIG. 11with the inner housing 1104 and the centering rod 1106 removed forpurposes of illustration. The interior surface 1112 of the outer housing1102 includes the fingers 1502 placed along a plurality of branchchannels 1602 forming arcuate pathways for liquid in the interiorsurface 1112. Liquid “captured” by the fingers 1502 flows off thefingers 1502 into the branch channels 1602 and is channeled to the outerchannels 1506 (FIG. 14) and/or the outlet 1114.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the outer housing1102 illustrated in FIG. 11 that includes the outlet 1114. The bottom ofthe housing 1102 similarly includes a plurality of branch channels 1702that are arcuate passages directing the liquid to the outlet 1114. Thefingers 1502 may be placed along each of the branch channels 1702.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the inner housing 1104illustrated in FIG. 11 that includes the centering rod 1106. Alsoincluded in the inner housing 1104 are the bushings 1116, the paddles1118, a first hub 1802, a second hub 1804, a rotor 1806 and a stator1808. The centering rod 1106 may extend through the inner housing 1104along a central axis 1812 and cooperatively operate with the bushings1116 to provide a centering function for the stator 1808. The bushings1116 may be formed to axially fit within a bushing aperture 1816 formedin a first end of each of the first and second hubs 1802 and 1804.

The first and second hubs 1802 and 1804 may be formed of plastic, carbonfiber or any other rigid material. Each of the first and second hubs1802 and 1804 may be generally cylindrical and form a cavity having anopen end 1818. The open end 1818 may be at a second end opposite thefirst end that includes the bushing aperture 1816. The first and secondhubs 1802 and 1804 may be coupled together at the open ends 1818 to formthe outer surface 1120 (FIG. 11) of the inner housing 1104.

Each of the first and second hubs 1802 and 1804 include a retaining ring1820. The retaining ring 1820 includes a plurality of lugs 1822extending outwardly around the edge of the open end 1818 parallel withthe central axis 1812. A plurality of slots 1824 may be formed betweeneach of the lugs 1822 in the retaining ring 1820. The lugs 1822 may bealigned to adjacently contact each other when the first and second hubs1802 and 1804 are coupled at the open ends 1818. Thus the slots 1824 mayalso be aligned between the first and second hubs 1802 and 1804 to formapertures.

The first and second hubs 1802 and 1804 also include a plurality ofvents 1826 that may be sequentially disposed concentrically around theouter surface of the inner housing 1104. The vents 1826 form aperturesthat allow liquid communication between the cavity inside the innerhousing 1104 and the outside of the inner housing 1104. Accordingly,liquid may enter or exit the inner housing 1104 through the vents 1826.

When the inner housing 1104 rotates, liquid in the inner housing 1104flows out through the vents 1826 due to the rotation-related centrifugalforce that is created. Thus, fluid impedance losses due to liquid insidethe inner housing 1104 are minimized by ongoing evacuation of the liquidthrough the vents 1826 when the inner housing 1104 rotates at high RPM.The rotating inner housing 1104 may therefore maintain the cavitysubstantially empty of liquid. The cavity may be substantially dry andfilled with air (or some other gas). Although the cavity may be wet, thecavity may remain absent amounts of liquid of sufficient quantity toaffect efficient operation. The vents 1826 may also provide airflowthrough the inner housing 1104 for cooling.

Within the cavity formed in each of the first and second hubs 1802 and1804 is a plurality of keepers 1828 extending outward from the first andsecond hubs 1802 and 1804 towards the central axis 1812. The keepers1828 may be positioned a determined distance apart to form a pluralityof notches 1830 between the keepers 1828. The keepers 1828 may be formedas an integral part of the first and second hubs 1802 and 1804.Alternatively, the keepers 1828 may be formed separately of plastic,metal, carbon fiber or any other rigid material that may be coupled withan interior surface of each of the first and second hubs 1802 and 1804within the respective cavities.

The rotor 1806 may include a keeper ring 1834 and a magnet 1836. Thekeeper ring 1834 may be a cylindrical sleeve formed with iron or othersimilar ferrous (or non-ferrous) material. When the first and secondhubs 1802 and 1804 are coupled together, a portion of the keeper ring1834 may be positioned in the cavity of each of the first and secondhubs 1802 and 1804. The keeper ring 1834 may couple with keepers 1828within each of the first and second hubs 1802 and 1804 such that thekeeper ring 1834 rotates with the inner housing 1104. The keeper ring1834 may be configured as a flux concentrator to operate with the magnet1836 to improve generator efficiency.

The magnet 1836 may be coupled with the keeper ring 1834, and alsorotate with the inner housing 1104. The magnet 1836 may be a permanentmagnet, such as a sintered or bonded neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) rareearth magnet. The magnet 1836 may be formed as a continuous singlestructure with the desired number of north and south poles configuredalong the structure. Alternatively, a plurality of individual magnetsmay be aligned and coupled with the keeper ring 1834.

The back EMF of the generator may be advantageously reduced by couplingthe magnet 1836 directly with the keepers 1828. Thus, the keeper ring1834 may be eliminated. As previously discussed, reduction in the backEMF allows for faster acceleration, which may be advantageous with someloads, such as providing “instant on” capability of a UV light source.

The stator 1808 may be formed with a plurality of poles 1840 wound withone or more stationary windings (not shown) as previously discussed. Thepoles 1840 may be metal laminations that are coupled with a mountingplate 1842. The mounting plate 1842 may be a metal, plastic or any otherrigid material and may be coupled with the centering rod 1106. Thestator 1808 may be positioned in the cavity formed by the first andsecond hubs 1802 and 1804 such that the magnet 1836 is positioned aroundthe stator 1808 adjacent the poles 1840 with an air gap in between.

The stator 1808 may be operated wet or dry since the winding(s) may besealed with a non-conducting material, such as an enamel coating on thewire used to form the windings. Alternatively, the winding(s) may beover-molded with plastic, rubber or some other waterproof material. Inaddition to providing water resistance, such over-molding may alsoreduce edges and other features of the stator 1808 that may contributeto fluid impedance losses when the inner housing 1104 is rotated at highvelocity around the stator 1808.

The combination of the rotor 1806 and the stator 1808 may form agenerator that generates three phase power. Alternatively, the generatormay generate single phase power. Power generated by the generator may beprovided on a power supply line 1844. The power supply line 1844 may beelectrically connected to the winding(s) of the stator 1808. The powersupply line 1844 may be routed through a passage extending along thecentral axis 1812 through the centering rod 1106. In addition to power,the rotation of the rotor and/or the power produced may be monitored toperform flow-based measurements.

The air gap between the stator 1808 and the magnet 1836 may bemaintained by the magnetic field of the magnet 1836 in combination withthe centering rod 1106 and the surrounding bushings 1116. The stator1808 may be coupled with the centering rod 1106. Accordingly, uponrotation of the inner housing 1104, and therefore the rotor 1806, therotating magnetic field induces the production of electric power in thewinding(s) of the stator 1808.

During operation, the inner housing 1104 may be rotated at relativelyhigh revolution-per-minute (RPM), such as above 5000 RPM, by a singlehigh-velocity stream of liquid. The relatively high RPM may be achieveddue to the relatively small size of the inner housing 1104 and minimizedfluid impedance losses. The diameter of the generally cylindrical innerhousing 1104 may be less than about 40 millimeters, such as in a rangeof about 40 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. Since the diameter ofthe nozzle outlet 1124 (FIG. 11) of the nozzle 1108 (FIG. 11) may be ina range of about 1.9 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters, the diameterof the nozzle outlet 1124 is between about 4.75% and about 8% of thediameter of the housing 1104.

The rotational speed of the inner housing 1104, and therefore the amountof power produced by the generator, may be based on the velocity of thestream of liquid extruded by the nozzle 1108 (FIG. 11) and the diameterof the inner housing 1104. Thus, for a range of diameters of the nozzleoutlet 1124 (FIG. 11) of the nozzle 1108 (FIG. 11) and a range ofdiameters of the inner housing 1104 within a range of liquid pressuresand flow rates, a range of power may be output. For example, a range ofdiameter of the nozzle outlet 1124 of the nozzle 1108 between about 0.8millimeters and about 1.9 millimeters may extrude between about 0.44liters/min and about 4.16 liters/min (about 0.115 gal/min and about 1.1gal/min). The flow rate may be based on a pressure range at the nozzleinlet 1122 (FIG. 11) between about 34 kPa and about 413 kPa (about 5lb/sq. in and about 60 lb/sq. in). The resulting rotation of the innerhousing 1104 may produce between about 0.25 watts and about 30 watts ofpower. Power from the generator in this example range can drive a UVlamp or an electronics assembly directly and/or may be rectified tocharge an energy storage device such as a capacitor, a super capacitor,an ultra capacitor and/or a battery.

The magnet 1836 may also provide balancing and alignment of the innerhousing 1104. The weight of the magnet 1836 may be configured to spinbalance the rotation of the inner housing 1104 to increase efficiency.Thus, the inner housing 1104 may rotate smoothly at a high RPM withminimized vibration or other effects associated with unbalancedrotation. As previously discussed, the weight of the magnet 1836 mayalso be minimized due to the efficient power production at high RPM.

In addition, the magnetic field of the magnet 1836 may maintain thealignment of the rotor 1806, and therefore the inner housing 1104, withthe stator 1808. The substantially equally distributed magnetic field ofthe magnet 1836 may axially align the rotor 1806 and stator 1808.Accordingly, the inner housing 1104 may also be axially aligned with thecentering rod 1106. The bushings 1116 and the centering rod 1106 mayassist in axially aligning the inner housing 1104, however the innerhousing 1104 may be suspended in axial alignment with the centering rod1106 by the magnetic field of the magnet 1836. Thus, frictional lossesbetween the surrounding rotating bushings 1116 and the non-rotatingcentering rod 1106 may be minimized. In addition, the magnetic field maymaintain the positional relationship of the inner housing 1104 with thestator 1808 when the hydro-power generator 12 is mounted vertically,horizontally, etc. without the use of stays, latches or any othermechanisms to maintain relative positioning.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 18, the paddles 1118 may form a ringconcentrically surrounding the inner housing 1104. The paddles 1118 maybe individually manufactured parts that are coupled with the outersurface of the inner housing 1104. Each of the paddles 1118 may bemaintained in position in one of the notches 1824 to form the ring whenthe first and second hubs 1802 and 1804 are coupled together.Alternatively, the paddles 1118 may be individually coupled or coupledas a group to the first and/or second hubs 1802 and 1804 by gluing,welding, friction fit or any other mechanism.

The paddles 1118 may be individually manufactured and then assembled ina ring to reduce costs and improve manufacturability. In addition, thediameter of the inner housing 1104, and therefore the diameter of thering of the paddles 1118 may be varied without substantial changes tothe geometry of the individual paddles 1118. The configuration of eachof the individual paddles 1118 as well as the retainer rings 1820 ineach of the first and second hubs 1802 and 1804 may cooperativelyoperate to maintain the position of the paddles 1118 in the notches1824.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an example one of the paddles 1118illustrated in FIG. 18. The illustrated paddle 1118 may be generallyconcaved and includes a base 1902, a first paddle section 1904, a secondpaddle section 1906 and a slot 1908. The base 1902 may be formed to fitwithin adjoining slots 1824 (FIG. 18) of the first and second hubs 1802and 1804 (FIG. 18). The base 1902 may include a lower surface 1912 and afoot 1914. The lower surface 1912 may be curved with a predeterminedradius of curvature similar to the radius of curvature of the interiorsurface of the first and second hubs 1802 and 1804 (FIG. 18). The foot1914 may be generally triangular in shape and include a first angledsurface 1916, a second angled surface 1918 and a face surface 1920.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, when the paddle 1118 is mounted in theinner housing 1104, the base 1902 may be disposed in adjacentlypositioned notches 1824 of each of the first and second hubs 1802 and1804. The foot 1914 of each paddle 1118 may be held in the notches 1824by the lugs 1822 on the first and second hubs 1802 and 1804. In theillustrated example, the first and second angled surfaces 1916 and 1918may be adjacently contacting one of the lugs 1822 on the each of thefirst and second hubs 1802 and 1804, respectively. In addition, the facesurface 1920 may be adjacently contacting an adjacently mounted paddle1118.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional top view of the paddle 1118 of FIG. 19 thatillustrates the first and second paddle sections 1904 and 1906 and thefoot 1914. Also illustrated is a back surface 2002 of the paddle 1118.When the paddle 1118 is mounted on the inner housing 1104 (FIG. 11), theback surface 2002 may be adjacently contacting the face surface 1920(FIG. 19) of the foot 1914 of an adjacently mounted paddle 1118. Thus,the base 1902 (FIG. 19) of the paddle 1118 is effectively held in placeby the combination of the lugs 1822 (FIG. 18) and the paddles 1118positioned adjacently in the ring of paddles 1118. The base 1902 of eachof the paddles 1118 may form a portion of an unbroken concentric ringadjacent to the outer surface of the inner housing 1104. The paddles1118 may be held in position by friction fit, gluing, welding or anyother coupling mechanism or material.

Referring again to FIG. 19, the first and second paddle sections 1904and 1906 may each provide a separate cup or depression capable ofaccepting a high velocity stream of liquid. As best illustrated in FIG.20, each of the first and second paddle sections 1904 and 1906 may beelliptical to optimize the flow of liquid striking the paddle sections1904 and 1906. The slot 1918 allows the stream of liquid to efficientlystrike each of the paddles 1118 as the inner housing 1104 (FIG. 11)rotates at high RPM.

The previously described hydro-power generation system 12 may alsoinclude capabilities of a water treatment system. In one example, thehydro-power generation system may be mounted to a faucet or otherplumbing fixture. The inlet of the faucet mounted hydro-power generationsystem 12 may be coupled to the water outlet end of the faucet. Thehydro-power generation system 12 may include a carbon filter and anultraviolet (UV) lamp in addition to the previously discussed powergeneration capability. In addition, the hydro-power generation system 12may include a liquid diverter to bypass the hydro-power generationsystem 12 when treated water is not desired. The hydro-power generationsystem 12 may also include a processing device, such as amicroprocessor, to monitor the UV lamp and filter life. The hydro-powergeneration system 12 may provide liquid flow detection as previouslydiscussed for use in monitoring filter life. In addition, end of life ofthe UV lamp may be monitored with the microprocessor. Further, switchingof taps and/or coils may be dynamically directed by the microprocessorto provide a first voltage for initial energization of the UV lamp andcontinued energization of the UV lamp as previously discussed.

Other applications involving a pressurized flow of liquid that require apower source may also be provided by the hydro-power generation system12. For example, plumbing fixtures with motion detectors, electricallyoperated valves or any other device requiring an electric power sourceto operate may be included as part of the hydro-power generation system12.

FIG. 21 is perspective view of an example plumbing fixture 2100 for atoilet, such as a stool or urinal that is included as part of thehydro-power generation system. The plumbing fixture 2100 includes awater inlet 2102 for receiving water and a water outlet 2104 fordischarging water. The plumbing fixture 2100 also includes a valvemodule 2106, an electronics module 2108 and a power generation module2110. In other examples, a faucet, a shower or any other plumbingfixture having a control valve, a water inlet and a water outlet maysimilarly be included in the hydro-power generation system. As usedherein, the term “plumbing fixture” is defined to include lavatoryrelated devices such as faucets, toilet flush mechanisms, sprayers andshowers. In addition, plumbing fixtures may include sprinklers,fountains and any other devices and mechanisms used to control and/orchannel the flow of liquids at pressures less than about 1034 kPa (about150 lbs./sq. inch).

FIG. 22 is a cut away side view of the example plumbing fixture 2100illustrated in FIG. 21 that includes the inlet 2102, the outlet 2104,the valve module 2106, the electronic module 2108 and the powergeneration module 2110.

The valve module 2106 includes an electrically operated valve 2202. Theelectrically operated valve 2202 may be any electro-mechanical valvedevice capable of being actuated with voltage and current to open andclose a liquid flow path. Upon energization, the electrically operatedvalve 2202 may move to a position that opens a liquid flow path throughthe valve module 2106. When the liquid flow path is opened, pressurizedliquid supplied at the inlet 2102 may flow through the valve module 2106and the power generation module 2110 to the outlet 2104. Uponde-energization, the electrically operated valve 2202 may close off theliquid flow path stopping the flow of liquid through the valve module2106 and the power generation module 2110.

The power generation module 2110 includes the outer housing 1102, theinner housing 1104, the centering rod 1106 and the nozzle 1108 that aresimilar to the embodiments discussed with reference to FIGS. 11-20.Accordingly, a detailed discussion of these features will not berepeated. In other examples, features and/or components similar to anyof the other previously discussed embodiments may be included in thepower generation module 2110. The outer housing 1102 also includes ascupper 2204 to channel liquid toward the outlet 2104 following impactwith the inner housing 1104. The inner housing 1102 may be removed fromthe plumbing fixture as a unit for maintenance and/or repair.Pressurized liquid provided to the inlet 2102 is accelerated to a highvelocity by the nozzle 1108 and directed in a stream of liquid at thepaddles 1118 positioned on the outer surface of the inner housing 1104.

The majority of the kinetic energy in the high velocity stream of liquidis translated to rotational energy to rotate the inner housing 1104 athigh RPM. The liquid falls by gravity to the water outlet 2104 of theplumbing fixture 2100. Liquid spray within the cavity of the outerhousing 1102 may also be channeled to the water outlet 2104 by theconfiguration of the interior surface 1112 of the outer housing 1102 andthe scupper 2204. High RPM rotation of the inner housing 1104 produceselectric power with the permanent magnet generator included in the innerhousing 1104. Power may be produced by the generator on the power supplyline 1844. The power supply line 1844 may be routed through the passagein the centering rod 1106 and a conduit 2206 to the electronic module2108.

The electronic module 2108 may include any electrical related circuitryand components for the plumbing fixture 2100. The electronic housing2108 may include a valve controller 2226, an energy storage device 2228,a power controller 2230 and a sensor 2232. The valve controller 2226 maybe part of the electrically operated valve 2202, and may be any devicecapable of actuating the opening and closing of the electricallyoperated valve 2202 using voltage and current. The valve controller 2226may include an electric motor, a rotary actuator, a solenoid or anyother device capable of moving a valve mechanism. In addition, the valvecontroller 2226 may include limit switches or any other form of positionsensing device(s) to determine the position of the electrically operatedvalve 2202. The valve controller 2226 may be powered by the energystorage device 2228.

The energy storage device 2228 may be a battery and/or a capacitorand/or any other circuit or device(s) capable of storing energy in theform of voltage and current. The power controller 2230 is coupled withthe valve controller 2226 and the energy storage device 2238. The powercontroller 2230 may be any circuit or device capable of monitoring amagnitude of voltage in the energy storage device 2228 and controllingoperation of the electrically operated valve 2202.

During operation, the magnitude of voltage in the energy storage device2228 is monitored by the power controller 2230. When the voltage fallsbelow a determined threshold, the electrically operated valve 2202 maybe activated to open by the power controller 2230. Power may be suppliedfrom the energy storage device 2228 to the valve controller 2226 toactuate the electrically operated valve 2202. When the electricallyoperated valve 2202 is opened, pressurized liquid flows through thevalve module 2106 to the nozzle 1108. The high velocity stream ofpressurized liquid is directed by the nozzle 1108 at the inner housing1104 to generate electric power. The electric power is used to re-chargethe energy storage device 2228.

The sensor 2232 may also activate the electrically operated valve 2202.The sensor 2232 may be a motion sensor, a temperature sensor or anyother form or sensing device capable of sensing one or more parametersin the environment around the plumbing fixture 2100. In this example,the sensor 2232 may be a motion sensor capable of sensing motion. Inresponse to motion, the sensor 2232 may actuate the electricallyoperated valve 2202 to open using power from the energy storage device2228. The energy storage device 2228 may subsequently be recharged bypower from the generator in the power generation module 2110 resultingfrom the flow of liquid.

FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram of an example of the energy storage device2228 and the power controller 2230. The illustrated energy storagedevice 2228 includes a first energy storage device 2302, a second energystorage device 2304 and a third energy storage device 2306. The powercontroller 2230 includes a processor 2308, a first charging switch 2310,a second charging switch 2312, a third charging switch 2314, aseries/parallel switch 2316 and a load control switch 2318. In otherexamples, fewer or greater numbers of energy storage devices andswitches may be utilized.

The first, second and third energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306may be any device capable of storing electric power. In the illustratedexample, the first energy storage device 2302 is a battery and thesecond and third energy storage devices 2304 and 2306 are capacitors tomaximize discharge performance. The capacitors may be one or moreelectrolytic capacitors or electrochemical capacitors such as supercapacitors and/or ultra capacitors. In other examples, batteries,capacitors, or any configuration of batteries and capacitors may beused. Each of the first and second energy storage devices 2302 and 2304are electrically connected with a ground connection 2320. The thirdenergy storage device 2306 may be electrically connected with the groundconnection 2320 by the series/parallel switch 2316.

The processor 2308 may be any form of computing device capable ofexecuting instructions to monitor inputs and providing outputs. Inputsto the processor 2308 include input power supplied from the generator inthe power generation module 2110 (FIG. 21) on a power input line 2330.The power supplied by the generator may be three phase or single phaseAC power that is rectified with one or more diodes to provide DC powerto the processor 2308.

Other inputs to the processor 2308 include a first charge indication forthe first energy storage device 2302 on a first charging line 2332 and arespective second and third charging indication for the respectivesecond and third energy storage devices 2304 and 2306 on second andthird respective charging lines 2334 and 2336. The charging lines 2332,2334 and 2336 indicate to the processor 2308 the amount of the chargestored in the respective energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306. Inaddition, in the illustrated example, a first discharge indication and asecond discharge indication are provided as inputs to the processor 2308on a first discharge line 2338 and a second discharge line 2340,respectively. The first discharge indication provides the amount ofdischarge of the capacitor that is the second energy storage device2304. The amount of discharge of the capacitor that is the third energystorage device 2306 is provided by the second discharge indication.

Outputs from the processor 2308 include control signals to controloperation of the first charging control switch 2310, the second chargingcontrol switch 2312 and the third charging control switch 2314.Energization of the first charging control switch 2310 may provide afirst charging voltage to the first energy storage device 2302 on afirst charging line 2342. A second charging voltage may be provided tothe second energy storage device 2304 on a second charging line 2344when the second charging control switch 2312 is closed. The thirdcharging control switch 2314 may be energized to provide a thirdcharging voltage to the third energy storage device 2306 on a thirdcharging line 2346.

The processor 2308 may also provide output control signals to direct theload control switch 2318 to control the voltage on a load supply line2348. The load supply line 2348 may provide power to a load. In thisexample, the load includes the electrically operated valve 2202 (FIG.22) and the electronics included in the electronics module 2108 (FIG.21). In other examples, any other load may be supplied from the loadsupply line 2348.

Power on the load supply line 2348 may be supplied by the processor 2308from the generator in the power generation module 2110 and/or from thecharge stored on one or more of the energy storage devices 2302, 2304and 2306. For example, when the generator is producing power, theprocessor 2308 may provide that power directly to the load on the loadsupply line 2348. In addition, the processor 2308 may provide chargingvoltage(s) to charge one or more of the energy storage devices 2302,2304 and 2306 with the power produced by the generator. Alternatively,when, for example, the generator is not producing power (or notproducing enough power), the processor 2308 may provide power on theload supply line 2348 from the charge stored in one or more of theenergy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306.

The processor 2308 may also provide a control output on a valve controlline 2350 to control operation of the electrically operated valve 2202.Outputs from the processor 2308 on a status line 2352 may provideoperational status. Operational status may include error indications,the state of the charge on the energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and2306, the position of the electrically operated valve 2202 (FIG. 22), orany other operationally related indications or parameters. The statusline 2352 may be coupled with any form of user interface, such as lightemitting diode (LEDs), a display, an audible alarm, etc.

The series/parallel switch 2316 includes a series switch 2356 and aparallel switch 2358. The processor 2308 may provide outputs to directoperation of the series switch 2356 and the parallel switch 2358. Theseries switch 2356 and the parallel switch 2358 may configure the secondand third energy storage devices 2304 and 2306 in a parallelconfiguration or a series configuration.

In the parallel configuration, a lower magnitude of discharge voltagemay be supplied individually to the load by the second and third energystorage devices 2304 and 2306. In the series configuration a highermagnitude of discharge voltage may be supplied to the load by thecombined discharge of the second and third energy storage devices 2304and 2306. The processor 2308, the charging control switches 2310, 2312and 2314, the series/parallel switch 2316 and the load control switch2318 may be implemented with an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC). Alternatively, separate components, or separate groups ofcomponents may be utilized.

Instructions stored in memory may be executed by the processor 2308 toprovide charge and discharge control of the first, second and thirdenergy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306. Control with the processor2308 may be based on determined threshold voltages, determined thresholdcharge levels and the input power supplied by the generator in the powergeneration module 2110. A first threshold voltage may be a magnitude ofinput voltage supplied from the generator and/or one or more of theenergy storage device 2302, 2304 and 2306. A second threshold voltagemay be an output voltage supplied on the load supply line 2348.

The determined threshold charge levels of each of the energy storagedevices 2302, 2304 and 2306 may be a fully charged condition that may bedetermined based on the characteristics of the individual energy storagedevices. First, second and third discharge level thresholds for each ofthe respective energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306 may also bedetermined. Each of the discharge level thresholds may include adischarge limit and a discharge cutoff. The discharge limit may indicatedepletion of the charge level to some level below the fully chargedcondition. The discharge cutoff may indicate depletion of the chargebelow a maximum desired level of charge depletion.

In addition, the processor 2308 may include timing capability to provideindication of the status of the energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and2306. A charge timer may be activated by the processor 2308 to begintiming when one of the energy storage devices is being charged. Based onthe charge indication(s) on the charging line(s) of the particularenergy storage device(s) being charged, the timing of the charge timermay be used to determine a percentage of fully charged, a charging rate,etc. The charge related determinations may be provided on the statusline 2352. Similarly, a discharge timer may be enabled by the processor2308 to begin timing during a discharge cycle of each of the second andthird energy storage devices 2304 and 2306. The discharge indications onthe respective discharge lines 2338 and 2340 may be used by thedischarge timer to indicate the percentage of discharge, the dischargerate, etc. of each of the second and third energy storage devices 2304and 2306 on the status line 2352.

When the generator in the power generation module 2110 is producingpower, the processor 2308 may selectively charge one or more of theenergy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306. For example, when the flowof liquid is relatively high at a relatively high pressure, thegenerator may produce abundant amounts of power at a relatively highvoltage. Under these conditions, the processor 2308 may enable the firstcharging switch 2310, the second charging switch 2312 and the thirdcharging switch 2314 at the same time to charge all of the energystorage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306. Alternatively, when less or lowervoltage power is produced, the processor 2308 may activate fewer thanall of the first, second and third charging switches 2310, 2312 and2314.

During operation, when the charge stored in one or more of the energystorage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306 is above the determined dischargelimit, the load control switch 2318 may be enabled by the processor 2308to supply power to the load. When the load consumes power and thereforedischarges one or more of the energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306below the discharge limit, the processor 2308 may activate theelectrically operated valve 2202 (FIG. 22) to open with a control signalon the valve control line 2350. As previously discussed, the flow ofliquid through the plumbing fixture 2100 (FIG. 21) and the powergeneration module 2110 induces the production of power by the generator.

Upon sensing input power on the power input line 2330, the processor2308 may activate one or more of the charging switches 2310, 2312 and2314 to re-charge the respective energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and2306. If the energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306 continue todischarge to the cutoff limit, the load control switch 2318 may bedisabled by the processor 2308. Upon loss of power to the load on theload supply line 2348, the electrically operated valve 2202 (FIG. 22)may remain open and the generator in the power generation module 2110may continue to supply power. Alternatively, upon loss of power, theelectrically operated valve 2202 may close, input power from thegenerator may cease and power from the energy storage devices 2302, 2304and 2306 may be used by the processor 2308 to indicate an error on thestatus line 2352. The error may be indicated with an indicator such as aflashing light emitting diode (LED).

During discharge of power from one or more of the energy storage devices2302, 2304 and 2306, the processor 2308 may selectively switch theseries/parallel switch 2316 to maximize the discharge time. In addition,voltage on the load supply line 2348 may be maintained by selectivelyswitching the series/parallel switch 2316 as the discharge occurs tomaximize efficiency. Further, the processor 2308 may convert themagnitude of the output voltage to other voltage magnitudes withselective switching of the series/parallel switch 2316. For example, aninput voltage from the generator of about 6 VDC may be converted to 3VDC by the processor 2308. In another example, 1.5 VDC supplied from thegenerator may be converted by the processor 2308 to 6 VDC.

FIG. 24 is another example circuit diagram of the energy storage device2228 and the power controller 2230. In this example, the powercontroller 2230 includes the processor 2308. The energy storage device2228 includes a plurality of energy storage devices comprising a firstcapacitor 2402, a second capacitor 2404, a third capacitor 2406 and afourth capacitor 2408 electrically connected to a ground connection2410. In other examples, other configurations and numbers of energystorage devices, such as a battery in place of the fourth capacitor 2408may be used.

The processor 2308 may receive input power on the power input line 2330from the generator in the power generation module 2110 (FIG. 21). Theinput power may also charge the first capacitor 2402. Thus, theprocessor 2308 may be provided with input power from the first capacitor2402 when the generator stops producing power.

The processor 2308 may control the charge and discharge of the fourthcapacitor 2408 with a charge control line 2412. Charging of the fourthcapacitor 2408 may be with the power supplied on the power input line2330. Discharge of the fourth capacitor 2408 may be based on the loadbeing supplied with the load supply line 2348. The load may include theelectrically operated valve 2202 (FIG. 22) and/or any other electronicsin the electronics module 2108 (FIG. 21).

The processor 2308 may provide regulated output voltage to the load onthe load supply line 2348. The power supplied on the load supply line2348 may be from the generator, the first capacitor 2402 and/or thefourth capacitor 2408. The second and third capacitors 2404 and 2406 mayprovide noise suppression of any high frequency transients that may bepresent on the load supply line 2348.

Similar to the example of FIG. 23, the processor 2308 may sensedepletion of the charge on the fourth capacitor 2408 below the dischargelimit level and transmit a control signal on the valve control line 2350to open the electrically operated valve 2202 (FIG. 22). The resultingflow of liquid may rotate the generator in the power generation module2110 (FIG. 21) at high RPM to produce power on the power input line2330. If the charge on the fourth capacitor 2408 becomes depleted to thedischarge cutoff level, an error may be generated on the status line2350, the electrically operated valve 2202 (FIG. 22) may be deenergizedand power to the load may be discontinued.

FIG. 25 is a process flow diagram illustrating example operation of thepower controller 2230 of FIGS. 22-23. The operation begins at block 2502when the desired output voltage to the load, the desired charge leveland the desired discharge level thresholds (the discharge limit and thedischarge cutoff) are established and stored in the processor 2308. Theprocessor 2308 may execute instructions to monitor the supply voltage onthe power input line 2330, and the charge and discharge voltages of theenergy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306 at block 2504.

At block 2506, the processor 2308 determines if the magnitude of supplyvoltage is equal to or greater than the desired output voltage to theload. If the supply voltage is greater than the desired output voltage,the processor 2308 activates one or more of the charging switches 2310,2312 and 2314 to enable the supply of power from the power input line2330 to charge one or more of the energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and2306 at block 2508. At block 2510, the processor 2308 may activate oneor more charge timers to monitor charging of the energy storagedevice(s) 2310, 2312 and 2314. In addition, at block 2512, the processor2308 may enable the supply of power from the input power line 2330 tothe load on the load supply line 2348. The operation then returns toblock 2504 to continue monitoring the voltages and charges.

If at block 2506, the supply voltage is not greater than or equal to thedesired output voltage, the processor 2308 determines if the supplyvoltage on the input power line 2330 is less than the desired outputvoltage by a determined amount (x) at block 2518. If the supply voltageis less than the desired output voltage by at least the determinedamount (x), the processor 2308 enables one or more of the energy storagedevices 2302, 2304 and 2306 to begin discharging stored charge on thestored power lines 2332, 2334 and 2336 at block 2520. The processor 2308may provide the stored charge as output voltage and current on the loadsupply line 2348 to supply the load. At block 2522, the processor 2308may enable a discharge timer to monitor the discharge of power from eachof the energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306. The operation thenreturns to block 2504 to continue monitoring the voltages and charges.

If the supply voltage is not less than the desired output voltage atblock 2518, the processor 2308 determines if all of the energy storagedevices 2302, 2304 and 2306 are fully charged at block 2526. If all ofthe energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306 are fully charged, theprocessor 2308 determines if the electrically operated valve 2202 isopen at block 2528. If the electrically operated valve 2202 is not open,the operation returns to block 2504 and monitors the voltages. If theelectrically operated valve 2202 is open, the processor 2308 sends asignal on the valve control line 2350 to close the electrically operatedvalve 2202 at block 2530. The generator in the power generation module2110 stops producing electric power when the electrically operated valve2202 is closed.

At block 2532, the discharge timer(s) is reset and the operation returnsto block 2504 to monitor the voltages and charges. If the energy storagedevices 2302, 2304 and 2306 are not all fully charged at block 2526, theprocessor 2308 determines if any of the energy storage devices 2302,2304 and 2306 are discharged to less than the discharge cutoff at block2536. If the energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306 are dischargedto less than the discharge cutoff, the processor 2308 disables thesupply of output power on the output power line 2348 at block 2538. Inaddition, the processor 2308 sends a signal on the valve control line2350 to close the electrically operated valve 2202 at block 2540. Atblock 2542, the processor 2308 provides indication on the status line2352 that charging of the energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306cannot be performed. The operation then returns to block 2504 to monitorfor the voltages and charges.

If at block 2536 none of the energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306are discharged to less than the discharge cutoff, the processor 2308determines if any of the energy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306 aredischarged to less than the discharge limit at block 2546. If any of theenergy storage devices 2302, 2304 or 2306 are discharged to less thanthe discharge limit, the processor 2308 sends a control signal on thevalve control line 2350 to open the electrically operated valve 2202 atblock 2548. When the electrically operated valve 2202 is opened, thegenerator in the power generation module 2110 produces power on thepower input line 2330. The operation returns to block 2504 to charge theenergy storage devices 2302, 2304 and 2306 and supply power to the loadfrom the generator. If at block 2546, none of the energy storage devices2302, 2304 and 2306 are discharged to less than the discharge limit, theoperation returns to block 2504 and monitors the voltages and charges.

In another example, similar to FIG. 21, the hydro-power generationsystem may include a plumbing fixture that is a faucet system. Thefaucet system may include the valve module 2106, the electronics module2108 and the power generation module 2110. The generator in the powergeneration module 2110 may charge at least one energy storage device inthe electronics module 2108. The power controller included in theelectronics module 2108 may allow direct charging until the energystorage device(s) is charged. This will allow the faucet system to usestored power beyond the period of time that liquid is flowing throughthe faucet system. In addition, a simple manual momentary on push buttoncan cause a flow of liquid to rotate the generator within the powergeneration module 2110 to re-charge the energy storage device(s) if thefaucet system is not used for extended periods.

In yet another example, the hydro-power generation system may include aplumbing fixture that is a shower head. The shower head may include aradio and/or other waterproofed electronics. The radio may be waterproofand include AM, FM, compact disc or any other entertainment device. Thehydro-power generation system may include features similar to the systemillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The generator resulting from the turbinespinning within the stator may be a power source for charging acapacitor, super capacitor or ultracapacitor. This provides a powersource for the electronics that requires no maintenance cycle to replacethe power source such as when the power source is a battery. The showerhead may also include a shower timer with an alarm and pre-warningindicator to keep the shower timed. The alarm may be used to keep thelength of the shower to a determined period of time. Further, the showerhead may include a clock with a display that is lighted when the showeris running. During periods of no liquid flow, the clock may operate fromthe energy storage device without lighting to conserve power.

FIG. 26 illustrates yet another example of the hydro-power generationsystem 12 that includes an outer housing 2602, an inner housing 2604, acentering rod 2606 and a nozzle 2608. The inner housing 2604 ispositioned in a cavity 2610 formed within the outer housing 2602 andincludes a plurality of paddles 2612 positioned on an outer surface 2613of the inner housing 2604. The outer housing 2602 includes an outlet2614 and an interior wall 2616. The features of the hydro-powergeneration system 12 illustrated in FIG. 26 are similar in many respectsto the previously discussed examples of the hydro-power generationsystem. Thus, for purposes of brevity, the following discussion willfocus on differences with the previously discussed examples.

In the illustrated example, the outer housing 2602 includes an innerhousing section 2618, a nozzle section 2620, a drain section 2622 and aflow collection section 2624. The inner housing section 2618 is formedto adjacently surround a portion of the inner housing 2604. The paddles2612 are positioned adjacent to the interior wall 2616 of the innerhousing section 2618 to minimize liquid impedance.

As in the previous examples, the interior wall 2616 within the innerhousing section 2618 may include ducting (not shown) to channel liquidtoward the outlet 2614.

The nozzle section 2620 forms the top of the outer housing 2602 and isconfigured to receive the nozzle 2608. The nozzle 2608 is positioned topenetrate the outer housing 2602 and direct a substantially verticalstream of liquid at the paddles 2612 of the inner housing 2604. Thesubstantially vertical stream of liquid may be discharged from a nozzleoutlet 2626 of the nozzle 2608 in a well-defined substantially laminarstream at relatively high velocity. The stream of liquid maysubstantially maintain the diameter of the nozzle outlet 2626 followingdischarge. Liquid spray may therefore be minimized and the kineticenergy in the stream of liquid may be focused in a relatively smallarea.

FIG. 27 is a cutaway side view of the hydro-power generation system 12that includes the outer housing 2602, the inner housing 2604, thecentering rod 2606 and the nozzle 2608. The inner housing 2604 includesthe paddles 2612. The outer housing 2602 includes the inner housingsection 2618, the nozzle section 2620, the drain section 2622 and theflow collection section 2624.

Following impact of the stream of liquid with the paddles 2612, thestream of liquid may enter the drain section 2622. Due to the impact,the liquid may become a dispersed stream of liquid with a diameter thatis larger than the diameter of the nozzle outlet 2624. In addition,liquid spray may be produced by the impact as well as the rotation ofthe inner housing 2604. The diameter (or spray pattern) of the dispersedstream of liquid may depend on the velocity of the stream of liquid andthe amount of electrical load on the generator. When there is littleload on the generator, the inner housing 2604 may rotate relativelyfreely. Thus, the amount of dispersion of the dispersed stream of liquidis relatively small such as for example a dispersion angle of 30 degreeswith respect to a central axis 2702 coaxial with the stream of liquiddischarged from the nozzle 2608. Conversely, when a large load ispresent, significant force is required to maintain rotation of the innerhousing 2604 and dispersion of the dispersed stream of liquid may resultin a dispersion angle as large as 90 degrees with respect to the centralaxis 2702. Whatever the load, the collision of the liquid with thepaddles 2612 may create liquid spray and a dispersed stream of liquid.For purposes of discussion, the dispersion angle of the dispersed streamof liquid is assumed to be about 45 degrees. In other examples, largeror smaller dispersion angles may be used.

Also illustrated in FIG. 27 is an impact point 2704 and a plurality ofthe trajectory vectors 2706. The impact point 2704 may be the area wherethe well-defined substantially linear stream of liquid discharged by thenozzle 2608 collides with the paddles 2612. The trajectory vectors 2706illustrate the paths of the liquid following impact with the paddles2612 based on the dispersion angle. Liquid following those trajectoryvectors 2706 that are closer to the central axis 2702 may directly enterthe collector section 2624 and be channeled to the outlet 2614.

Liquid in the trajectories 2706 further away from the central axis 2702,however collide with the interior surface 2616 within the drain section2622. This liquid is efficiently channeled to the outlet 2614 tominimize fluid impedance. In addition, liquid spray resulting from thecollision with the interior surface 2616 is minimized. In the drainsection 2622, the interior surface 2616 is configured in a predeterminedshape to efficiently channel the liquid to the outlet 2614 and minimizeliquid spray. Thus, the previously discussed ducting in the interiorsurface 2616 is unnecessary. Instead, the interior surface in the secondsegment 2710 may remain substantially flat and be shaped to act as areflector and efficiently evacuate liquid from the outer housing 2602and minimize liquid impedance. Accordingly, the cavity 2610 may bemaintained substantially dry with liquid flow rates in a range of about0.44 liters/minute to about 4.16 liters/minute.

As further illustrated in FIG. 27, the interior surface 2616 within thedrain section 2622 may be configured with a predetermined shape. Thepredetermined shape may be based on a trajectory flow angle 2708 that isformed between each of the trajectory vectors 2706 and the interiorsurface 2616 within the drain section 2622. The trajectory flow angle2708 is defined as the angle at the intersection of the interior surface2616 and the trajectory vectors 2706 followed by the dispersed stream ofliquid and liquid spray resulting from impact with the paddles 2612. Theshape of the interior surface 2616 may be designed to maintain thetrajectory flow angle 2708 followed by the dispersed stream of liquid atless than about twenty degrees. The trajectory flow angle 2708 may varyby plus and minus five degrees based on manufacturing tolerances and/orphysical properties associated with the liquid.

The shape of the interior surface 2616 of the second segment 2710 in theillustrated example is configured as a generally cone-shaped rocketnozzle. The shape of the interior surface may be based on modeling oranalysis of the behavior of the dispersed stream of liquid resultingfrom impact with the rotating paddles 2612. By maintaining thetrajectory flow angle 2708 followed by the dispersed stream of liquidwithin about twenty degrees of the interior surface 2616, the liquid mayremain in a more organized state with less non-laminar flow.

The more organized state may allow for relatively faster evacuation ofthe cavity 2610. Thus, the overall size of the outer housing 2602 may beminimized while still maintaining the inner and outer housings 2602 and2604 substantially dry when liquid is being discharged from the nozzle2608. In addition, the flow of liquid out of the outlet 2614 may havesome magnitude of velocity due to the similarity of the shape of theinterior surface and the trajectory vectors 2706. Further, the moreorganized state of the flowing liquid may minimize liquid spray, andturbulent flow, thus minimizing fluid impedance and maximizing thetransfer of kinetic energy to rotational energy.

The shape of the drain section 2622 of the outer housing 2602 may alsobe implemented on the previously discussed examples of the hydro-powergeneration system. For example, referring to the hydro-power generationsystem 12 of FIG. 11, the outer housing 1102 may be rotated ninetydegrees such that the nozzle 1108 discharges a stream of fluidvertically. In addition, the outlet 1114 may be moved to the wall of theouter housing 1102 that is opposite the nozzle 1108 and the outerhousing may be re-shaped to achieve trajectory flow angles for thetrajectory vectors of about twenty degrees or less. In the examplehydro-power generation system of FIG. 21, the outer housing 1102upstream of the outlet 2104 of the plumbing fixture 2100 may simply bere-shaped to achieve trajectory flow angle for the trajectory vectors ofabout twenty degrees or less.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another example plumbing fixture thatis a faucet 2802. The faucet 2802 may be a sink faucet as illustrated, asillcock, a shower head, or any other plumbing fixture capable ofselectively providing a flow of liquid, such as water. Mounted to theend of the faucet 2802 is a water treatment system 2804. In otherexamples, the water treatment system 2804 may be coupled with a plumbingfixture by hoses or other conduits and be a counter top configuration,an undercounter configuration, etc. In addition, in other examples, thecomponents of the water treatment system 2804 may be separated. Forexample, some components may be mounted at the end of a faucet and othercomponents that are part of a countertop configuration or anundercounter configuration may be coupled with the end of faucet mountedcomponent(s) by hoses or some other type of conduit.

The illustrated example water treatment system 2804 includes a switchmechanism 2806 coupled with a housing 2808. The switch mechanism 2806may be coupled with the housing 2808 by snap fit, friction fit, threadedconnection, welding or any other coupling mechanism. Alternatively, theswitch mechanism 2806 may be formed as part of the housing 2808. Thehousing 2808 and the switch mechanism 2806 may be formed of plastic,carbon fiber, steel, aluminum and/or any other non-porous material.

The water treatment system 2804 includes an inlet 2810 to receive theflow of liquid from the faucet 2802 and an outlet 2812 for the dischargeof the flow of liquid from the water treatment system 2804. The outlet2812 includes a first outlet 2816 and a second outlet 2818. Liquidflowing from the first outlet 2816 may flow through a first flow pathand be treated by the water treatment system 2804. Liquid flowing fromthe second outlet 2818 may flow through a second flow path and beuntreated. The switch mechanism 2806 includes a switch 2824 that may betoggled to select whether liquid will flow from the first outlet 2816 orthe second outlet 2818. In other examples, additional outlets includedin the water treatment system 2804 may be selectable with one or moreswitches to provide a flow of treated or untreated liquid. For example,the water treatment system 2804 may include an outlet selectable with aswitch to provide a shower spray pattern of untreated liquid similar toa sink sprayer.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of an example of the watertreatment system 2804 of FIG. 28. The water treatment system 2804includes the switch mechanism 2806 and the housing 2808. The switchmechanism 2806 is coupled with the housing 2808 and detachably coupledwith the faucet 2802 and allows the selection of a treated or anuntreated flow of liquid from the water treatment system 2804.

The switch mechanism 2806 includes the switch 2824, a collar 2902, anupper first gasket 2904, an adapter 2906, an upper second gasket 2908, avalve body 2910, a lever 2912, a spring 2914, a ball 2916, a valve seal2918, a valve core 2920, an outer lower gasket 2922 and an inner lowergasket 2924. The components forming the switch mechanism 2806 may besteel, plastic, aluminum and/or any other non-porous material. Thecollar 2902 may be coupled with the valve body 2908 by a threadedconnection, as illustrated, a bayonet mount, or any other couplingmechanism. The adaptor 2906 may be held against the valve body 2910 withthe collar 2902. The upper first gasket 2904 and the upper second gasket2908 may be positioned between the collar 2902 and the adaptor 2906 andthe collar 2902 and the valve body 2910, respectively. The adaptor 2906may be formed to create a liquid tight connection, such as theillustrated threaded connection, with the faucet 2802. Alternatively,the adaptor 2906 may form a liquid tight connection with the faucet 2802by any other form of coupling. Liquid flowing from the faucet 2802 mayflow through the collar 2902, the first upper gasket 2904, the adaptor2906, the upper second gasket 2908 and into the valve body 2910.

Liquid flows into a cavity 2932 formed in the valve body 2910. The lever2912 includes a first post 2934 and a second post 2936 and is formed tofit within the cavity 2932. The first post 2934 extends through thevalve body 2910 and through a ring 2938 that may be formed on the valvebody 2910. An o-ring 2940 on the first post 2934 may provide a liquidtight seal to prevent the flow of liquid leaking from the cavity 2932.The first post 2934 is coupled with the switch 2824 such that when theswitch 2824 is toggled, the first post 2934 may rotate, thereby pivotingthe second post 2936 within the cavity 2932. The second post 2936 may beformed to accommodate the spring 2914 and the ball 2916 such that thespring 2914 maintains constant pressure by the ball 2916 on the seal2918. Pivoting the second post 2936 may move the ball between a firstseat 2941 and a second seat 2942 included in the seal 2918. The firstand second seats 2941 and 2942 may each include an orifice providing aseparate flow path to the valve core 2920. The valve core 2920 may beformed to accommodate the seal 2918 and includes a first orifice 2950and a second orifice 2952.

FIG. 30 is a perspective bottom view of the example valve core 2920illustrated in FIG. 29. The first and second orifices 2950 and 2952penetrate an upper wall 3002 of the valve core 2920 and are eachconcentrically surrounded by a lip 3004. Each of the first and secondseats 2941 and 2942 (FIG. 29) may be received by the respective firstand second orifices 2950 and 2952 and extend toward the lip 3004. Thevalve core 2920 also includes an outer cavity 3006 formed by the upperwall 3002, an outer wall 3008 and an inner wall 3010 that both extendperpendicular to the upper wall 3002. The outer wall 3008 extends to anouter beveled surface 3012 and an outer lower surface 3014 that isparallel with the upper wall 3002. The inner wall 3010 extendsperpendicular to the upper wall 3002 to an inner lower surface 3016 thatis also parallel with the upper wall 3002. The inner wall 3010 and theupper surface 3002 form an inner cavity 3020 within the outer cavity3006. The inner cavity 3020 is separated completely from the outercavity 3006 by the inner wall 3010.

Each of the first and second orifices 2950 and 2952 are partiallyenclosed by a cover 3022 that extends from the lip 3004. The cover 3022partially enclosing the first orifice 2950 extends from the lip 3004 tothe outer beveled surface 3012 and is formed to channel liquid flowingthrough the first orifice 2950 to only the inner cavity 3012. The cover3022 partially enclosing the second orifice 2952, on the other hand,extends from the lip 3004 to the inner lower surface 3016 and is formedto channel liquid flowing through the second orifice 2952 to only theouter cavity 3006. Thus, the first orifice 2950 and inner cavity 3020form a portion of the first flow path (treated liquid) and the secondorifice 2952 and the outer cavity 3006 form a portion of the second flowpath (untreated liquid). The first and second cavities 3006 and 3020provide separate and independent flow paths due to the inner wall 3010.

Referring again to FIG. 29, the cavity 2932 of the valve body 2910 isformed to accommodate the lever 2912, the spring 2914, the ball 2916,the seal 2918 and the valve core 2920. The valve core 2920 also includesa valve seal 2954 to prevent leakage of flowing liquid from the cavity2932. The valve body 2910 may be coupled with the housing 2808 by athreaded connection such that the housing 2808 maintains the valve core2920, etc. in the cavity 2932. In other examples, the valve body 2910and the housing 2808 may be coupled by any other mechanism.

Referring now to FIGS. 29 and 30, the outer lower gasket 2922 and theinner lower gasket 2924 form a seal between the switch mechanism 2806and the housing 2808. The outer lower gasket 2922 may be positionedadjacent to the outer lower surface 3014 and the inner lower gasket 2924may be positioned adjacent to the inner lower surface 3016. Thus, theinner lower gasket 2924 maintains separation of liquid flowing in thefirst and second flow paths, and the outer lower gasket 2922 preventsthe escape of liquid flowing in the second flow path. Liquid flowing ineither the first or the second flow path flows into the housing 2808.

The housing 2808 may be formed from plastic, carbon fiber, aluminum,steel or any other non-porous material. As illustrated in FIG. 29, thehousing 2808 includes a plurality of modules comprising a firstcompartment that is a filter module 2960, a second compartment that is apower generation module 2962, a third compartment that is an ultraviolet(UV) dosing module 2964 and a fourth compartment that is an electronicsmodule 2966. The filter module 2960 and the ultraviolet dosing module2964 are positioned adjacently and form a generally cylindrical portionof the housing 2808. The power generation module 2962 forms a generallyspherical shaped portion of the housing 2808 mounted on the cylindricalportion of the housing 2808. In other examples, the configuration and/orshape of the water treatment system 2804 may vary and include fewer ormore modules within the housing 2808 to accommodate the functionality ofthe water treatment system 2804.

The housing 2808 also includes a manifold 2968 that may be inserted intoa central portion 2970 of the housing 2808. The manifold 2968 may beplastic, carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, or any other non-porousmaterial. In the illustrated example, the manifold 2968 is positionedadjacent the power generation module 2962 between the filter module 2960and the ultraviolet dosing module 2964 in the generally cylindricalportion of the housing 2808. The manifold 2968 includes a manifold cover2972 positioned adjacent to the filter module 2960. The manifold 2968forms part of the first flow path and receives liquid flowing out of theinner cavity 3020 (FIG. 30) of the valve core 2920. The manifold 2968channels the flow of liquid between the filter module 2960, theultraviolet (UV) dosing module 2964 and the power generation module2962. The single piece construction of the manifold 2968 advantageouslyavoids multiple hoses, fittings and connections and permits thewatertight flow of liquid between the modules. Accordingly,manufacturing efficiencies, ease of maintenance and reliability may beimproved.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the example manifold 2968 illustratedin FIG. 29. The manifold 2968 includes a first passageway 3102 and asecond passageway 3104 that are formed to accommodate a flow of liquid.Each of the first and second passageways 3102 and 3104 form a portion ofthe first flow path (treated liquid flow path). The first passageway3102 includes a first passageway inlet 3114 and the second passageway3104 includes a second passageway outlet 3118.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the examplemanifold 2968 illustrated in FIG. 31 depicting the first passageway3102, the second passageway 3104, the first passageway inlet 3114 andthe second passageway outlet 3118. The generally cylindrical firstpassageway 3102 is concentrically positioned to surround the generallycylindrical second passageway 3104. A manifold inner wall 3202 and amanifold dividing wall 3204 define the first passageway 3102. Thedividing wall 3204 also defines the second passageway 3104 and maintainsseparation of the first and second passageways 3102 and 3104. Thedividing wall 3204 includes a trough 3206 to accommodate a portion ofthe manifold cover 2972 (FIG. 29). The manifold inner wall 3202 includesa ridge 3208 to couple the manifold cover 2972 (FIG. 29) to the manifold2968 by, for example, ultrasonic weld. In other examples, the manifoldcover 2972 may be coupled with the manifold 2968 by threaded connection,snap-fit, gluing or any other coupling mechanism.

Referring again to FIG. 31, the manifold 2968 also includes a nozzlekeeper 3106 and a lamp seat 3124. The nozzle keeper 3106 is configuredto engage and maintain the nozzle 1108 (FIG. 29) rigidly coupledcontiguous with the manifold 2968. The nozzle 1108 also forms a portionof the first flow path. The lamp seat 3124 includes a plurality offingers 3126 that rigidly extend outward from the manifold 2968 towardthe UV dosing module 2986. The fingers 3126 are configured to cradle andsupport a UV light source (not shown) included in the UV dosing module2986 (FIG. 29).

Also included in the manifold 2968 are a first groove 3128 and a secondgroove 3130 that are formed to accommodate a first gasket 3132 and asecond gasket 3134, respectively. The illustrated manifold 2968 isgenerally cylindrical, and is formed to provide a liquid-tight seal inthe generally cylindrical portion of the housing 2808. The liquid-tightseal is formed between the first and second gaskets 3132 and 3134 and aninner wall of the housing 2808 when the manifold 2968 is inserted intothe central portion 2970 of the housing 2808 and positioned to receive aflow of liquid from the valve core 2920 (FIG. 29). Liquid received intothe housing 2808 from the inner cavity 3020 (FIG. 30) of the valve core2920 may be channeled to the first passageway 3102 through the firstpassageway inlet 3114. The first passageway 3102 channels the flow ofliquid to the filter module 2960.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the filter module 2960 includes a filter 2972disposed in a filter cavity 2974. The filter 2972 may be formed with anyporous material that removes particulate, etc. from liquid passedthrough the filter 2972. In addition, the filter 2972 may includematerials, such as activated carbon, etc. to remove odors, chlorine,organic chemicals, etc. from the flow of liquid. The entire filter 2972and/or portions of the filter 2972 may be replaceable. The filter module2962 forms a portion of the first liquid flow path and may be filledwith liquid flowing through the housing 2808 along the first liquid flowpath. In the example configuration illustrated, liquid flowing in thefirst liquid flow path flows through a filter inlet line 2976 and floodsthe portion of the filter cavity 2974 surrounding the filter 2972. Theflow of liquid passes through the filter 2972 and out of the filtercavity 2974 through a filter outlet line 2978 to the manifold 2968.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the filter module 2960, themanifold 2968 and the manifold cover 2972. The manifold cover 2972 maybe formed of plastic, carbon fiber, aluminum, steel or any othermaterial formable to cover the first and second passageways 3102 and3104. The manifold cover 2972 includes a first cover channel 3302 and asecond cover channel 3304 formed with a respective lip 3306. The lip3306 of the first cover channel 3302 is formed to extend into the firstpassageway 3102 and be received by the notch 3206. In addition, thefirst cover channel 3302 may be formed to receive the filter inlet line2976 and provide a liquid tight connection using a filter gasket 3310. Aflow of liquid in the first passageway 3102 may flow through the firstcover channel 3302 and into the filter inlet line 2976. The lip 3306 ofthe second cover channel 3304 may be formed to extend into the secondpassageway 3104. In addition, the second cover channel 3304 may beformed to receive the filter outlet line 2978 and provide a liquid tightconnection using a filter gasket 3310. The flow of fluid through thefilter outlet line 2978 may be received by the second passageway 3104through the second cover channel 3304. Liquid flowing through the secondpassageway 3104 flows through the second passageway outlet 3118 to theUV dosing module 2964.

Referring again to FIG. 29, the UV dosing module 2964 includes an endcap 2980, a view port 2981 and a UV dosing system 2982. The end cap 2980forms a portion of the housing 2808 and provides removable access to theUV dosing system 2982. The end cap 2980 may be coupled with theremainder of the housing 2808 by threaded connection, snap-fit or anyother detachable coupling mechanism. The view port 2981 may be a windowmaterial, such as polycarbonate, to allow visual confirmation that theUV dosing system 2982 is operating.

The UV dosing system 2982 includes a UV light source 2984, a socket 2986and a reactor vessel 2988. The UV light source 2984 may be any device(s)capable of emitting ultraviolet energy, such as UVC energy in a range ofabout 100 to about 280 nanometers of UV light, to neutralize biologicalorganisms, such as bacteria, algae, etc. that may be present in theflowing liquid. Example UV light sources include a low-pressure mercurytype, a cold cathode type, or a light emitting diode (LED) type. Theillustrated UV light source 2984 is a two bulb UV light source that maybe continuously operated with an operational wattage, such as aboutthree to about six watts alternating current. In addition, the UV lightsource 2984 may be initially energized with a determined magnitude ofwatts, such as, about eight to about twelve watts alternating current.The UV light source 2984 is typically removable and may be electricallycoupled with the socket 2986. In the illustrated example, the UV lightsource 2984 includes posts (not shown) that are inserted into apertures2990 in the socket 2986 to form an electrical connection.

The socket 2986 may be mounted concentrically in the housing 2808 bythreaded connection, glue, fasteners or any other mechanism. The UVlight source 2984 may be coupled with the socket 2986 to be adjacent thereactor vessel 2988. The reactor vessel 2988 may be any material that istransparent to ultraviolet energy, such as Teflon, and is capable ofbeing formed into a helically shaped channel for a flow of liquid. Thetransparent material may allow the liquid flowing through the reactorvessel 2988 to be exposed to ultraviolet energy produced by the UV lightsource 2984. In the illustrated example, the reactor vessel 2988 isformed with a central cavity that may accommodate the UV light source2984. The UV light source 2984 may be mounted concentric with andsurrounded by the reactor vessel 2988 such that exposure to ultravioletenergy of liquid flowing through the reactor vessel 2988 is maximized.The end of the UV light source 2984 opposite the socket 2986 may engageand rest in the lamp seat 3124 previously discussed with reference toFIG. 31 to maintain the position of the UV light source 2984 in thecavity of the reactor vessel 2988.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the manifold 2968 coupled with thereactor vessel 2988 illustrated in FIG. 29. The reactor vessel 2988includes a straight section 3402, an elbow 3404 and a helical section3406 that are part of the first flow path. Although not illustrated, thesecond passageway outlet 3118 (FIG. 31) is coupled with the straightsection 3402 using a water tight connection, such as a friction fit. Thestraight section 3402 is a conduit that extends through the helicalsection 3406 from near a first end 3410 to near a second end 3412 of thereactor vessel 2988. The elbow 3404 provides a water tight connectionbetween the straight section 3402 and the helical section 3406.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an example elbow 3404. The elbow 3404includes a first half 3502 and a second half 3504 that may be formed ofplastic, carbon fiber, aluminum, steel or any other non-porous material.The first and second halves 3502 and 3504 may be coupled by gluing,ultrasonic welding or any other coupling mechanism capable of creating awater tight seal. The first half 3502 includes an inlet nipple 3506 thatis generally straight and formed to be received in the straight section3402 (FIG. 34) of the reactor vessel 2988 (FIG. 34). The inlet nipple3506 defines a passage way into an elbow cavity 3508 defined by thefirst and second halves 3502 and 3504. An outlet nipple 3510 that isgenerally curved with a radius of curvature similar to the helicalsection 3406 is also formed by the first and second halves 3502 and3504. A flow of liquid entering the elbow cavity 3508 via the inletnipple 3506 may exit the elbow cavity 3508 via the outlet nipple 3510 tothe helical section 3406 (FIG. 34) of the of the reactor vessel 2988(FIG. 34). Alternatively, the straight section 3402 and the helicalsection 3406 may be formed as a single continuous passageway and theelbow 3404 may be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 34, the helical section 3406 includes a helicalinlet 3416 and a helical outlet 3418. The helical inlet 3416 is formedto accept the outlet nipple 3510 and create a water tight connection.The helical outlet 3418 is at the first end 3410 adjacent to the inletto the straight section 3402. Accordingly, liquid flows into, and outof, the reactor vessel 2988 at the same end. The helical outlet 3418 isformed to couple with the nozzle 1108 (FIG. 29) and form a watertightseal. FIG. 34 also depicts the nozzle 1108 engaged in the nozzle keeper3106 and a cavity within the helical section 3406 formed to receive theUV light source 2984 (FIG. 29).

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 34, the reactor vessel 2988 forms a helix withan outside diameter that fits within the UV dosing module 2964 of thehousing 2808 and an inside diameter that accommodates the UV lightsource 2984 and the straight section 3402. Within the UV dosing module2964, the reactor vessel 2988 may be surrounded by a reflector (notshown) to reflect UV energy emitted by the UV light source 2984 towardsthe cavity within the helical section 3406. Alternatively, the innerwall of the housing 2808 adjacent the reactor vessel 2988 may have areflective surface. When the UV light source 2984 is concentricallypositioned in the helical section 3406, liquid may flow parallel withthe UV light source 2984 through the straight section 3402 and circulatearound the UV light source 2984 through the helical section 3406 tomaximize radiation exposure of the flow of liquid. Liquid may flow fromthe second passageway outlet 3118 through the straight section 3402, theelbow 3404, the helical section 3406 and the helical outlet 3418 to thenozzle 1108. Since liquid flows only in the reactor vessel 2988, the UVdosing module 2964 remains substantially dry.

The flow of liquid from the helical section 3406 may enter the nozzle1108 and be extruded from the nozzle 1108 as a stream of liquid. Atpoint of entry into the nozzle 1108, the flow of liquid has beenfiltered by the filter module 2960 and dosed with UV energy by the UVdosing module 2964 and is considered treated liquid. As used herein, theterms “treated liquid” and “treated water” describe liquid that has beenfiltered and subject to UV energy.

As previously discussed, the nozzle 1108 increases the velocity ofpressurized liquid. Pressurized liquid supplied at a first velocityflows through the nozzle 1108 and is discharged from the nozzle 1108 ata second velocity that is substantially higher than the first velocity.The nozzle 1108 is configured to convert the flow of liquid to a streamof liquid that is extruded from the nozzle 1108. The extruded stream ofliquid is discharged by the nozzle 1108 in the power generation module2962.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the power generation module 2962 includes thepreviously discussed hydro-power generation system. The hydro-powergeneration system comprises the nozzle 1108 and a hydro-generator 2992.The hydro-generator 2992 includes a generator housing that is the innerhousing 1104, the centering rod 1106 and the paddles 1118 that aresimilar to the embodiments discussed with reference to FIGS. 11-27.Accordingly, a detailed discussion of the previously discussed featuresof the hydropower generation system will not be repeated. It should beunderstood that features and/or components similar to any of thepreviously discussed embodiments of the hydro-power generation systemmay be included in the power generation module 2962.

The power generation module 2962 also includes an outer housing 2994that forms a first liquid flow passage that is part of the first flowpath (treated liquid flow path) through the housing 2808. The outerhousing 2994 may be similar to the outer housing 1102 discussed withreference to FIGS. 11-22 and/or the outer housing 2602 discussed withreference to FIGS. 26-27. The first outlet 2816 that provides treatedliquid is supplied from the liquid flowing through the outer housing2994.

The power generation module 2962 further includes a second liquid flowpassage. The second liquid flow passage is an untreated liquidpassageway 2996 that forms part of the second flow path. The secondoutlet 2818 may provide untreated liquid supplied from the untreatedliquid passageway 2996. The untreated liquid passageway 2996 is formedwith the outside surface of the outer housing 2992 and the insidesurface of the housing 2808. In other words, the untreated liquidpassageway 2996 is for untreated liquid and flows separately andindependently around the outside of the outer housing 2992 within thepower generation module 2962 to the second outlet 2818.

Thus, the power generation module 2962 supplies both the first and thesecond outlets 2816 and 2818. The first liquid flow passageway formedwithin the outer housing 2992 provides treated liquid to the firstoutlet 2816, and the untreated liquid passageway 2996 provides untreatedliquid to the second outlet 2818. A flow of liquid in one of the firstor the second liquid flow passage remains apart from and independent ofthe other liquid flow passage.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the water treatment system 2804 illustrated inFIGS. 28-35 with a portion of the housing 2808 removed. Duringoperation, when the switch 2824 is in a first position, pressurizedliquid flows from the faucet 2802 through the valve body 2910 to theinner orifice 2950 (FIG. 29) and into the first cavity 3020. The innerlower gasket 2924 prevents leakage of the flow of liquid into the outercavity 3006. The flow of liquid is channeled through a treated liquidpassageway 3602 in the housing 2808 to the first passageway inlet 3114of the manifold 2968. Liquid flowing along the first flow path (treatedliquid path) in the housing 2808 does not enter the second flow path(untreated liquid passageway 2996) due to a barrier 3602. As previouslydiscussed, the liquid flows through the filter module 2960 and thereactor vessel 2988 and is sprayed into the outer housing 2994 at highvelocity by the nozzle 1108.

The extruded stream of liquid travels through air and strikes thehydro-generator 2992. More specifically, the extruded stream of liquidstrikes the paddles 1118 mounted on the surface of the inner housing1104 to rotate the inner housing 1104. Rotation of the inner housing1104 generates power to energize and maintain the UV light source 2984.Alternatively, an energy storage device 3740 may be used in conjunctionwith the hydro-generator to initially energize and maintain energizationof the UV light source 2984 as described later. Following impact withthe paddles 1118, the liquid is contained in the outer housing 2994 andflows to the first outlet 2816 where it is available as treated liquidfor a user of the water treatment system 2804.

When the switch 2824 is toggled to a second position, pressurized liquidfrom the faucet 2802 flows through the valve body 2910 along the secondflow path to the second orifice 2952 (FIG. 30) and into the outer cavity3006. The outer lower gasket 2922 and the inner lower gasket 2924prevent leakage of the flow of liquid out of the outer cavity 3006. Fromthe outer cavity 3006, the liquid is channeled to the untreated liquidpassageway 2996 and then to the second outlet 2818.

Referring again to FIG. 29, operation, monitoring and control of thewater treatment system 2804 may be provided with the electronics module2966. In the illustrated example, the electronics module 2966 may be awatertight compartment forming a portion of the housing 2808. In otherexamples, the electronics module 2966 may be multiple smallercompartments, watertight components and/or any other configurationproviding the functionality described.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of the electronic module 2966 that alsoincludes the UV light source 2984 and the hydro-generator 2992. Theexample electronics module 2966 includes a processor 3702, a display3704, a UV switch 3706 and a power supply 3708. In other examples,additional or fewer components may be used to describe the functionalityof the electronic module 2966.

The processor 3702 may be any device capable of executing logic and/orinstructions in conjunction with receiving inputs and/or generatingoutputs to at least one of indicate, monitor, control and operate thewater treatment system. The processor 3702 may include memory, such as amemory device, to store instructions and data. The memory may includevolatile and non-volatile memory devices. In addition, the processor3702 may include signal conversion capability such as, analog anddigital conversion capability. The processor 3702 may also includesignal input/output capability to transmit and receive electric signalsand an external communication port(s) to transmit and receive dataand/or instructions.

Monitoring, indication, control and distribution of the power generatedby the hydro-power generation system may be performed with the processor3702. Monitoring of the hydro-generator 2992 may include receiving therevolutions-per-minute (RPM), the power output, the temperature, and/orany other operational parameter related to the hydro-generator 2992. Inthe illustrated example, the processor 3702 receives a signalrepresentative of the power output of the hydro-generator 2992 on apower output line 3712. Based on the frequency of the alternatingcurrent (AC) power produced by the hydro-generator 2992, the processor3702 can determine the RPM of the hydro-generator 2992. The RPM (ACpower) may also be used by the processor 3702 to determine a flow rateof the liquid flowing through the first flow path (the treated liquidflow path). Accordingly, filter life, UV light source life, totalgallons, or any other usage related parameters may be tracked andrecorded by the processor 3702.

As an option, the electronics module 2966 may also include one or moresensors 3714, such as UV sensors, class A sensors, flow sensors, etc.The sensor(s) 3714 may be monitored by the processor 3702 on a sensormonitor line 3716 to determine for example, if the UV light source isoperating, UV dosage received by the liquid flowing through the system,flow volumes and rates, etc. Alternatively, the processor 3702 may havestored in memory a predetermined table of lamp dose curves. The lampdose curves may provide adequate dose levels of UV energy based on themagnitude of power supplied to the UV light source 2984 and length oftime of exposure of a flow of liquid to the UV energy.

Using the table and the power output of the hydro-generator 2992, theprocessor 3702 may determine the amount of on-time needed for the UVlight source 2984 to reach dose. As used herein, the term “dose” refersto the amount of UV energy output needed to satisfactorily decontaminatea flow of liquid flowing at a measure flow rate through the reactorchamber 2988 (FIG. 29). By having this table of information and theknowing the present power output level of the hydro-generator 2992, themicroprocessor 3702 may determine the required on-time for the lamp toreach the required dose. It should be recognized that “on-time” of a UVlight source refers to the period of time required to strike an arc andionize the gas to obtain plasma that emits UV energy (the initial lightoutput (ILO)).

System status indication may also be driven by the processor 3702. Thedisplay 3704 may be any form of visual and/or audio indication, such aslight emitting diodes (LEDs), a liquid crystal display (LCD), lightindicators, a piezo, annunciators, etc. The display 3704 may be on/inthe electronics module 2966. Alternatively, the display 3704 may bepositioned elsewhere on/in the housing 2808 (FIG. 29) in a readilyviewable location, such as on/in the generally spherically portion ofthe housing 2808 (FIG. 29). Visual and/or audio indications driven bythe processor 3702 via the display 3704 may indicate remaining life(usage) of the UV light source 2984, remaining life (usage) of thefilter 2972 (FIG. 29), if and when UV light source 2984 has reacheddose, lack of power to energize the UV light source 2984, system fault,system operational, liquid flow rate or any other system and/oroperational indication/status. The processor 3702 may provide signals ona display line 3718 to drive the display 3704.

Control with the processor 3702 may include startup and operationalcontrol of the UV light source 2984. As previously discussed, the UVlight source 2984 may be initially energized and then continuouslyenergized with electric power generated by the hydro-generator 2992. Theprocessor 3702 may monitor the RPM and/or the power output of thehydro-generator 2992 and energize the UV light source 2984 when the RPMand/or power output is within a determined range. It should beunderstood that the RPM and the power output generated by thehydro-power generator are interrelated. Accordingly, as RPM increases,power output correspondingly increases, and as RPM decreases, poweroutput correspondingly decreases. The determined range of power outputmay be selected to minimize the on-time of the UV light source 2984. Inother words, the startup time needed for the UV light source 2984 toreach dose may be minimized by the processor 3702. The startup time maybe minimized by the processor by selectively energizing the UV lightsource 2984 during optimum operational conditions, such as when the RPMof the hydro-generator is within a determined range. Minimization of thestartup time may provide desirable “instant on” capability of the watertreatment system. The instant on capability may minimize the amount ofuntreated liquid flowing through the first flow path.

The startup time of the UV light source 2984 may also be advantageouslyreduced based on the configuration of the UV light source 2984.Parameters related to the configuration of the UV light source 2984 thatmay be advantageously configured may include the size of the filamentsof the UV light source 2984, the gas mixture within UV light source 2984and application of an optional preheat control 3720.

A high energy start of the UV light source 2984 to strike the arc mayraise the plasma within the UV light source 2984 to a thermionictemperature. A thermionic temperature that maximizes stability androbustness of the UV energy provided by the UV light source 2984 isdesirable. Too low of a thermionic temperature may cause the plasmaformed by a high energy start to be unstable. If, on the other hand, thethermionic temperature is too high, the reaction may degrade.

A range of plasma thermionic temperatures may be developed for the UVlight source 2984. To obtain a plasma thermionic temperature within thedetermined range, a determined range of startup voltage (and hence RPM)may be applied to the UV light source 2984 at the direction of theprocessor 3702. The determined range of plasma thermionic temperaturesmay be above the plasma thermionic temperature needed to simply form theplasma without stability considerations. Since the plasma thermionictemperature may need to be higher to be within the determined range, thedetermined range of startup voltage may also be larger in magnitude. Thefilaments within the UV light source 2984 may be correspondingly sizedrelatively large to accommodate the magnitude of startup voltage desiredto be within the desired thermionic temperature range. Thus, the startupvoltage supplied by the hydro-generator 2992 at the direction of theprocessor 3702 may be larger in magnitude without undesirable effects,and startup time can be minimized.

To maximize the thermionic temperature of the reaction that forms theplasma, a determined mixture of neon and argon may be used in the UVlight source 2984. For example, the mixture may be in a range of up toabout 5% neon and the remainder argon. Alternatively, the range of neonmay be about 5% to about 15%. In still another alternative, the neon maybe about 25% or less and the argon may be about 75% or less.

Since power generated by the hydro-generator 2992 may be used to strikethe arc and ionize the gases to produce the desired thermionictemperature of the reaction in a desired temperature range, a worst caseliquid flow rate and liquid temperature may be used to determine thepower generated and thus the resulting thermionic temperature. Once theoptimum thermionic temperature range is determined, the processor 3702may monitor the parameters of the hydro-generator 2992 to energize theUV light source 2984 only when a thermionic temperature within theoptimum thermionic temperature range will result when the gases areionized.

The UV switch 3706 may be controlled by the processor 3702 to controlthe supply of power from the hydro-generator 2992 to the UV light source2984. The UV switch 3706 may be a relay, a FET, or some other switchingmechanism that may be driven by the processor 3702. The processor 3702may direct the UV switch 3706 with an enabling signal provided as anoutput signal on an enablement line 3722. The UV switch 3706 may receivepower from the hydro-generator 2992 on a high voltage power line 2724,and transfer the power generated by the hydro-generator 2992 to the UVlight source 2984 over a supply power line 3726 when enabled.

The UV dosing system 2988 (FIG. 34) and the hydro-generator 2992 mayalso be designed to be “load matched” to provide sufficient dose to theflow liquid under various liquid flow conditions. The change in voltageoutput of the hydro-generator 2992 as the flow rate of the liquidchanges may be determined. In addition, the change in UV energy outputof the UV light source 2984 as a result of the fluctuating voltage (RPM)of the hydro-generator 2992 may also be determined. Based on thesedeterminations, the hydro-generator 2992 and the UV light source 2984may be designed to be load matched to provide sufficient dose under anyflow rate condition in an expected range of liquid flow rates. Inaddition, other aspects of the UV dosing system 2988 such as the lengthof the straight and helical sections 3402 and 3406 (FIG. 34) may bedesigned to provide sufficient dose under varying flow rates.

The preheat control 3718 may be a mechanical control such as a glow bulbcoupled with the UV light source 2984. The glow bulb may short thefilaments in the UV light source 2984 when ionization of the gascommences. Once ionization is complete and the reaction in the UV lightsource 2984 reaches the desire range of thermionic temperature, the glowbulb may remove the short. Alternatively, a thyristor or a thermocouplemay perform similar function. In another alternative, the preheatcontrol 3718 may be a shorting switch such as a reed relay or a triacthat is controlled by the processor 3702. The processor 3702 mayselectively energize and de-energize the shorting switch to minimizeon-time of the UV light source 2984 to reach dose. Energization andde-energization of the preheat control 3718 may be enabled by signalsfrom the processor 3702 on a preheat line 3728.

The power supply 3708 may utilize the output power of thehydro-generator 2992 to provide a regulated DC control voltage to supplythe processor 3702. The regulated DC control voltage may be supplied tothe processor 3702 on a DC control line 3730 as soon as thehydro-generator 2992 begins to rotate. As a result, the processor 3702may be initially energized and commence with monitoring the power outputof the hydro-generator 2992 at substantially the same time thehydro-generator 2992 begins to rotate.

The hydro-generator 2992 may be operated as a high voltage generator ina high voltage mode, or as a low voltage generator in a low voltagemode. For example, in the high voltage mode, the hydro-generator 2992may include coils configured to produce a high voltage power output topower the UV light source 2984. Alternatively, in the low voltage mode,the hydro-generator 2992 may include coils configured to produce arelatively low voltage power output to power the UV light source 2984.

As used herein, the term “high voltage mode” refers to any magnitude ofoperational voltage produced by the hydro-generator 2992 that is largeenough to directly startup and operate the UV light source 2984. Forexample, the high voltage mode may provide about 300-400 VAC of initialenergization voltage (startup voltage when there is no load on thehydro-generator 2992) and about 20-40 VAC to maintain energization ofthe UV light source 2984 once startup is complete. The term “low voltagemode” refers to any magnitude of voltage output by the hydro-generator2992 that may be used by a ballast to startup and operate the UV lightsource 2984 as discussed later. For example, the hydro-power generatormay provide about 6-20 VAC in the low voltage mode. In other examples,other voltage modes and configurations may be used with thehydro-generator 2992 to startup and operate the UV light source 2984.

If the hydro-generator 2992 is operated in the high voltage mode, thehigh voltage power output may be supplied to the UV switch on the highvoltage power line 3724. In addition, the hydro-generator 2992 mayinclude coils configured to provide a lower voltage power output tosupply the power supply 3708 on an AC output line 3732. The relativelyhigh voltage AC power supplied to the UV switch 3706 may be useddirectly by the processor 3702 to strike the arc in the UV light source2984 when optimum operating conditions are present.

If the hydro-generator 2992 is operated in the low voltage mode toproduce a relatively low voltage power output to supply the UV lightsource 2984, the electronics module 2966 may include a ballast 3730. Theballast 3730 may be coupled in the supply power line 3726 between the UVswitch 3706 and the UV source 2984. The UV switch 3706 may also becoupled with the power supply 3708. In this configuration, the UV switch3706 may be supplied a rectified unregulated DC voltage, such as about3-12 VDC, by the power supply 3708 based on the supply of power from thehydro-generator 2992 operating in the low voltage mode. The rectified DCvoltage may be supplied on a DC voltage supply line 3734. The rectifiedDC voltage may be converted back to AC power by the ballast 3730 andsupplied to the UV light source 2984 upon activation of the UV switch3706 by the processor 3702 when optimum operating conditions arereached.

At startup with the hydro-generator 2992 operated in the high voltagemode, the UV light source 2984 utilizes minimal current and high voltageas previously discussed. During ionization, the impedance of the UVlight source 2984 changes from a relatively high impedance, such as 1megaohm, to a relatively low impedance such as 100 ohms. Using thehydro-generator 2992 as a direct power source advantageously provides apower source that can be configured to cooperatively operate with thechanging impedance of the UV light source 2984.

The hydro-power generator 2992 operated in the high voltage mode may bedesigned to provide a determined startup voltage to initially energizethe UV light source 2984 directly. The determined startup voltage may bea range of voltage that is designed into the hydro-generator 2992 usingworse case expected liquid flow rates and temperatures to anticipate afirst RPM, and therefore the startup voltage, output by thehydro-generator 2992 under no-load conditions. The processor 3702 mayenergize the UV light source only when the RPM of the hydro-generator2992 is in a determined range capable of providing the determinedstartup voltage. In addition, the hydro-generator 2992 may be configuredto provide a running voltage that maintains energization of the UV lightsource 2984 following initial energization by designing for acorresponding second RPM under worst case expected liquid flow rates andtemperatures.

The hydro-generator 2992 operable in the high voltage mode may furtherbe designed with a flywheel effect to substantially maintain the firstRPM and therefore the startup voltage for a determined period of timethat is long enough to complete initial energization of the UV lightsource 2984. Substantially maintaining the first RPM allows thehydro-generator 2992 to supply sufficient power under load conditions tostrike an arc and ionize the gas within the UV light source 2984 withinthe desired range of thermionic temperature. The determined period oftime may be, for example, 800 microseconds. The processor 3702 maymonitor the flywheel effect (the startup voltage) of the hydro-generator2984 and adjust the determined range of RPM to achieve the determinedperiod of time. Thus, the processor 3702 may continually adjust theoptimum time to initially energize the UV light source 2984 to minimizesubsequent startups of the UV light source 2984. Due to the continuedload of the UV light source 2984, the RPM of hydro-generator 2992 maythen reduce to provide the magnitude of operational voltage needed tomaintain energization of the UV light source 2984.

When the hydro-generator 2992 is operated in the low voltage mode, theprocessor 3702 may again determine the optimum time to enable the UVswitch 3706 to initially energize the UV light source 2984. Theprocessor 3702 may monitor the RPM (or voltage) of the hydro-generator2992 for a determined range. Upon reaching the determined range, the UVswitch 3706 may provide DC voltage to the ballast 3730 to strike an arcin the UV light source 2984. Due to the determined range, the ballast3730 may provide a magnitude of voltage capable of striking an arc inthe UV light source 2984 within the desired range of thermionictemperature.

The hydro-generator 2992 operating in either the high voltage or the lowvoltage mode may be effectively “impedance matched” to the UV lightsource 2984 by the control of the processor 3702. The processor 3702 maymonitor the RPM of the hydro-generator 2992 and selectively activate theUV switch 3706 to power the UV light source 2984 when the RPM reaches adetermined range to minimize startup. By only striking an arc in the UVlight source 2984 when sufficient power is provided from thehydro-generator 2992, the life of the UV light source 2984 may bemaximized. In addition, the resulting plasma in the UV light source 2984may be within a desired range of thermionic temperature that maximizesstability and minimizes variation in the UV energy produced.

In either mode, striking of the arc may be delayed slightly while theprocessor 3702 waits for the RPM (or voltage) to reach the determinedrange. The delay may be due to the time required to ramp the rotatinginertia of the hydro-generator 2992 to the desired RPM range. The delaymay advantageously avoid drawing energy from the hydro-generator 2992while the hydro-generator 2992 is still ramping up to full speed. Thus afast and efficient startup of the UV light source 2984 may be achievedthat maximizes stability of the ionized gases.

The electronics module 2966 may also include as an option a storagedevice 3740 and a charge/discharge control 3742. The storage device 3740may be a capacitor, a battery, or any other energy storage mechanismcapable of storing and discharging power. The charge/discharge control3742 may be any form of switch mechanism, such as a relay or a FETcapable of selectively conducting power. The processor 3702 may controloperation of the charge/discharge control 3742 with signals provided ona charge/discharge line 3744. The charge/discharge control 3742 may alsobe coupled with the storage device 3740 by an energy storage line 3746and with the power supply 3708 by a stored energy line 3748.

The storage device 3740 may be used by the processor 3702 to supplypower to the water treatment system when power is not being generated bythe hydro-generator 2992. In addition, the storage device 3740 may beused by the processor 3702 to satisfy power requirements that exceed thepresent power output of the hydro-generator 2992. For example, if theprocessor 3702 cannot arc the UV light source 2984 due to insufficientRPM of the hydro-generator 2992, the processor 3702 may enable thecharge/discharge control to supplement the available power with powerfrom the storage device 3740 and then enable the UV switch 3706 to arcthe UV light source 2984. The processor 3702 may also selectively enablethe charge/discharge control 3742 when the hydro-generator 2992 isgenerating sufficient amounts of power to store power in the storagedevice 3740.

In yet another example, the processor 3702 may initially energize the UVlight source 2984 with energy from the storage device 3740. Theprocessor 3702 may enable the UV switch 3706 when the processor 3702senses rotation of the hydro-generator 2992. In other words, when theprocessor 3702 senses a flow of liquid along the first flow path. TheRPM (or voltage) of the hydro-generator 2992 may then be monitored bythe processor 3702 until a determined range is reached that is capableof maintaining energization of the UV light source 2984. The processor3702 may then switch the supply of power from the storage device 3740 tothe hydro-generator with a synch switch (not shown). The storage device3740 may then be recharged with power generated by the hydro-generator.Thus, the water treatment system may include instant on capability forthe UV light source 2984 and be self powered. The option of includingthe storage device 3740 also provides a low cost and convenient way toprovide treated liquid under low liquid pressure conditions such as insome third world countries.

FIGS. 38-39 are an example operational flow diagram illustratingoperation of the water treatment system 2804 previously described withreference to FIGS. 28-37. In the example operation described, it isassumed that the water treatment system 2804 has been previouslyoperated and therefore holds liquid. The operation begins at block 3802of FIG. 38, when a flow of liquid enters the switch mechanism 2806. If auser of the water treatment system 2804 selects to receive a flow oftreated liquid by toggling the switch 2824, liquid flows through theswitch mechanism 2806 along the first flow path and into the housing2808 at block 3804. At block 3806, liquid already present in the firstflow path begins to flow. The already present liquid remains fromprevious use of water treatment system 2804.

The previously present liquid is sprayed in a high velocity extrudedstream at the hydro-generator 2992, and the hydro-generator 2992 beginsto rotate at block 3808. At block 3810, the hydro-generator 2992 beginsto generate electric power. The electric power energizes the processor3702 at block 3812. At block 3814, the processor 3702 monitors theoutput power of the hydro-generator 2992 to determine if a determinedrange of RPM has been reached. If the range of RPM has been reached, theprocessor 3702 enables the UV switch 3706 to energize the UV lightsource 2984 at block 3816.

If at block 3814, the RPM is not in the determined range, the processor3702 monitors the amount of liquid flow and determines if the flow hasexceeded a determined amount at block 3820. The determined amount offlow may be that amount of previously present liquid already dosed withUV energy that is present in the reactor vessel 2988. If the determinedamount of flow has been exceeded, the processor 3702 may provide analarm or other indication that the flow of liquid is not sufficientlytreated at block 3822.

Referring now to FIG. 39, at block 3824, the processor 3702 determinesif a determined period of time, such as three seconds, has beenexceeded. If the period of time has not been exceeded, the operationreturns to block 3814 to monitor for the determined RPM range. If theperiod of time has been exceeded, the processor 3702 may generate analarm with the display 3704 indicating that insufficient power wasavailable to start the UV light source 2984 at block 3826 and theoperation returns to block 3814 (FIG. 38). Alternatively, the processor3702 may enable the storage device 3740 (if present) to provideadditional power as previously discussed.

Once the UV light source is energized at block 3816 (FIG. 38), theprocessor 3702 monitors and tracks flow volume, filter life (usage), UVlight source life (usage), etc. at block 3832. If the storage device3740 is used to start the UV light source 2984, the processor 3702 mayalso monitor to determine when to switch from power supplied by thestorage device 3740 to power supplied by the hydro-generator 2992 basedon a determined range of RPM. At block 3834, the processor 3702 mayaccess the tables to determine if the liquid has been subject to asufficient dose of UV energy. Alternatively, a sensor 3714 may bemonitored by the processor 3702 to make the determination. If the liquidhas been subject to sufficient dose, the processor 3702 may indicate tothe user via the display 3704 that the liquid is treated at block 3836.If the liquid has not been subject to sufficient dose, the processor3702 may generate an alarm on the display 3704 at block 3838.

At block 3840, the flow of liquid that entered the switch mechanism 2806enters the manifold 2968 and is channeled to the filter 2972 along thefirst flow path. The flow of liquid is filtered at block 3842. At block3844, the filtered flow of liquid returns to the manifold 2968 and ischanneled to the reactor vessel 2988 along the first flow path. Thefiltered flow of liquid is exposed to UV energy within the reactorvessel 2988 at block 3846. At block 3848, the dosed flow of liquid isagain returned to the manifold 2968 and is channeled by the nozzle 1108along the first flow path. The liquid is extruded in a stream of liquidby the nozzle 1108 at the hydro-generator 2992 and is channeled out ofthe first outlet 2816 along the first flow path at block 3850.

Referring again to FIG. 38, at block 3802, if the user selects untreatedliquid, the liquid flows through the switch mechanism 2806 along thesecond flow path at block 3854. At block 3856, the flow of liquid entersthe housing and flows through the untreated liquid passage 2996 alongthe second flow path. The untreated flow of liquid is provided at thesecond outlet 2818 at block 3858.

When the user stops the flow of liquid, the processor 3702 may maintainenough holdup power to direct storage of the operational and usage datain non-volatile memory. Alternatively, the storage device 3740 may powerthe processor 3702. Following completion of the data storage, theprocessor 3702 may de-energize, and the water treatment system may turnoff.

FIG. 40 is a cross-section of another example of a miniature hydro-powergeneration system 4000. The miniature hydro-power generation system 4000may be used in any of the previous described applications, such aswithin a water treatment system, within a plumbing fixture, in an end offaucet system, etc., as described herein. In addition, the miniaturehydro-power generation system 4000 may include any one or more of theprevious example configurations of hardware and/or software, such as aprocessor, a valve body, a manifold, a reactor vessel, a filter, a powercontroller, etc., as described herein. The miniature hydro-powergeneration system 4000 is a small scale system that generates smallamounts of power, such as 30 watts or less. Accordingly, the miniaturehydro-power generation system 4000 may be used in commercialapplications where a source of electric power is desired, such as topower a plumbing fixture in a restroom, or in non-commercial uses suchas to power an indicator panel in a home or personal water treatmentsystem.

The example miniature hydro-power generation system 4000 includes anouter housing 4002 and an inner enclosure 4004. The outer housing 4002may be generally cylindrical and made of plastic, metal, or any otherrigid material impervious to liquid. In other examples, the outerhousing 4002 may be square, oval, or any other shape. The outer housing4002 includes a center outer enclosure 4006, a first outer end cap 4008and a second outer end cap 4010. In other examples, one or more separateenclosures may be included as part of the outer housing 4002.

In this example, the first and second outer end caps 4008 and 4010 maybe formed to include an inner wall 4012 of generally uniformcross-sectional area, and a sleeve 4014 of larger cross sectional areaformed to surround the respective opposite ends of the center outerenclosure 4006. The first and second outer end caps 4008 and 4010 may befixedly coupled with the center outer enclosure 4006 to form a liquidtight seal by, friction fit, glue, ultrasonic weld(s) or any othercoupling mechanism. Also in this example, the first and second outer endcaps 4008 and 4010 may each include a sleeve seal 4016 positioned in therespective sleeves 4014 to form a liquid tight connection between therespective outer end caps 4008 and 4010 and the center outer enclosure4006. In addition, to the sleeve seals 4016, a ridge, a snap fitconnection or some other form of stop to allow the center outerenclosure 4006 to only enter the respective sleeves 4014 a predetermineddepth may also be included.

The center outer enclosure 4006 may be a single piece design, and may beformed with an inner wall of uniformly decreasing cross-sectional areabetween an inlet 4022 and an outlet 4024 of the center outer enclosure4006 that defines an interior chamber. In the illustrated example, theinterior chamber within the center outer enclosure 4006 includes a firstsection 4026 of a first predetermined cross-sectional area, a secondsection 4028 of a second predetermined cross-sectional area that issmaller than the first section 4026, and a third section 4030 of a thirdpredetermined cross-sectional area that is smaller than the secondsection 4028. In other examples, the interior chamber of the centerouter enclosure 4006 may be uniformly tapered, may include fewer orgreater numbers of stepped inner wall surfaces, or may have a uniformcross sectional area throughout all three sections 4026, 4028 and 4030.

The inner enclosure 4004, may be a housing disposed within the interiorcavity of the center outer enclosure 4006. The inner enclosure 4004 mayinclude an inlet nozzle 4034, an outlet nozzle 4036, and a turbine rotor4038. The inlet nozzle 4034, the outlet nozzle 4036, and the turbinerotor 4038 may be formed of plastic, steel, carbon fiber, or any otherrigid material impervious to liquid. In the illustrated example, thecombination of inlet nozzle 4034, the outlet nozzle 4036, and theturbine rotor 4038 form a substantially complete outer surface of theinner enclosure 4004 and also form an interior cavity within the innerenclosure 4004. Within the interior cavity of the inner enclosure 4004,a generator that includes a stator 4042, a rotor 4044 and a shaft 4046may be disposed.

During operation, a flow of liquid with a predetermined range ofpressure and velocity may enter the inner enclosure 4004 while flowingsubstantially in parallel with a central axis 4050 of the housing 4002as illustrated by arrow 4052. The flow of liquid may be diverted by theinlet nozzle 4034 toward the inner wall of the inner enclosure 4004, andflow through inlet nozzle 4034 to the turbine rotor 4038. Upon the flowof liquid impacting the turbine rotor 4038, the rotor 4044 may rotatearound the shaft 4046 at between about 4000 and about 8000revolutions-per-minute, thereby inducing electrical current in thestator 4042. In another example, the rotor 4044 may rotate around theshaft 4046 at between about 1500 and about 10000 revolutions-per-minute.Following impact with the turbine rotor 4038, the flow of liquid mayflow substantially perpendicular to the central axis 4050 with therotating turbine rotor 4038, until the flow of liquid reaches the outletnozzle 4036. As described later, the outlet nozzle 4036 may divert theflow of liquid to again be substantially parallel with the central axis4050. In addition, the outlet nozzle 4036 may discharge the flow ofliquid so that the liquid has substantially laminar flow withsubstantially no turbulence.

FIG. 41 is an exploded view of the hydro-power generation system 4000 ofFIG. 40 that includes the inner enclosure 4004, the center outerenclosure 4006, the first outer end cap 4008, the second outer end cap4010, the inlet nozzle 4034, and the outlet nozzle 4036. The sleeve seal4016 and a sleeve retainer 4102 are also illustrated. As previouslydiscussed, the sleeve seal 4016 provides a seal between the outer endcaps 4008 and 4010 and the center outer enclosure 4006 when the centerouter enclosure 4006 is inserted into the respective outer end caps 4008and 4010. The sleeve retainer 4102 may provide a stop so that the centerouter enclosure 4006 can only be inserted into the sleeves 4014 of thefirst and second outer end caps 4008 and 4010 a predetermined distanceduring manufacturing of the hydro-power generation system 4000.

As previously discussed, the inner enclosure 4004 includes the inletnozzle 4034, the turbine rotor 4038, and the outlet nozzle 4036, whichform the outer surface of the inner enclosure 4004, and an interiorcavity of the inner enclosure 4004. The stator 4042, a magnet 4104, akeeper ring 4106 and the shaft 4046 are disposed in the interior cavityof the inner enclosure 4004.

The magnet 4104 may be a permanent magnet, such as a sintered or bondedneodymium iron boron (NdFeB) rare earth magnet. The magnet 4104 may beformed as a continuous single structure with the desired number of northand south poles configured along the structure. Alternatively, aplurality of individual magnets may be formed in a predetermined shape,aligned and coupled with the keeper ring 4106.

The keeper ring 4106 may be steel or some other material capable ofconcentrating and channeling the magnetic field of the magnet 4104. Themagnet 4104 may be coupled with the keeper ring 4106 by magneticattraction with the keeper ring 4106. In addition, or alternatively, themagnet 4104 may be coupled with the keeper ring 4106 with glue, welding,a snap-fit, friction fit, or any other mechanism for fixedly couplingthe magnet 4104 with the keeper ring 4106. The combination of the magnet4104 and the keeper ring 4106 may form the rotor 4044 of the generator.Alternatively, the keeper ring 4106 may be omitted and the rotor 4044 ofthe generator may be the magnet 4104.

The keeper ring 4106 with the magnet 4104 mounted therein may be mountedto an interior surface 4108 of the turbine rotor 4038. The keeper ring4106 may be coupled with the interior surface 4108 with glue, ultrasonicwelding, snap fit, friction fit, or any other coupling mechanism. Thestator 4042 may be fixedly coupled with the shaft 4046. In theillustrated example, the stator 4042 may be coupled with the shaft 4046via a stator bushing 4110. In other examples, the stator 4042 may bedirect coupled with the shaft 4046.

The stator 4042 may be formed with a plurality of poles 4112 that eachinclude a core wound with one or more stationary windings (not shown) aspreviously discussed. The stator 4042 may be positioned in the turbinerotor 4038 such that the magnet 4104 is positioned around the stator4043 with a predetermined air gap there between.

The stator 4042 and rotor 4044 may be configured to minimize internallosses within the miniature hydro-power generation system 4000. Back EMFor counter-torque in the generator may be caused by a combination of aload being supplied electric power by the generator, and inefficiencieswithin the generator itself. To minimize losses (e.g. back EMF that isnot caused by the load), the poles 4112 in the stator 4042 may bedesigned absent a core that conducts magnetic energy (coreless), or witha core that conducts magnetic energy.

If the stator 4042 is configured as a “coreless stator,” each of thepoles 4112 may include a winding wound on a core material, such asplastic, that does not conduct magnetic energy. Thus, magneticattraction of the stator 4042 to the magnet 4104 is significantlyreduced since only the windings on the cores are magnetically attractedto the magnet 4104. Accordingly, back EMF in the form of cogging torqueis significantly reduced.

If the stator 4042 includes poles 4112 with a core material that doesconduct magnetic energy, each core may be formed with a magneticallyconductive material such as iron. Each of the magnetically conductivecores may be formed in layers of magnetically conductive material, withthe layers coupled together to form the core. The magneticallyconductive material can also be referred to as a magnetic fluxconcentrator, since the magnetic flux produced by the magnet 4104 isconcentrated in the respective winding by the magnetically conductivematerial. To minimize back EMF (cogging torque) due to the attractionbetween each of the multi-layer cores and the magnet 4104, theindividual layers in the multi-layer core may be offset from one anotherin the direction of rotation of the magnet 4104 to generally elongateeach of the poles 4112. Thus, during operation as the magnet 4104rotates past the poles 4112, since the poles 4112 are more uniformlydistributed, the magnetic attraction to the magnetic field of the magnet4104 is more equally distribute, and cogging torque is minimized.

A magnetically conductive core, or flux concentrator providesconcentration of the magnetic field of the magnet 4104. The rotatingmagnetic field generates current in the winding. Since a magneticallyconductive core (flux concentrator) is absent from the coreless stator,relatively larger windings and relatively high gauss magnets may beneeded to obtain power output comparable to a comparable generator thatincludes a magnetically conductive core.

Back EMF created by other than the load may also be minimized byreducing windage and/or other frictional losses among the moving partsin the miniature hydro-power generation system 4000, as previouslydiscussed. In addition, additional back EMF within the generator may beminimized by implementing various combinations of stator and rotorpoles, by elimination of flux concentrators and/or by offsetting thestator poles in each coil/magnet to avoid concentrated magnetic fluxes,as previously discussed.

The stator 4042 may be operated wet or dry since the winding(s) may besealed with a non-conducting material, such as an enamel coating on thewire used to form the windings. Alternatively, the winding(s) may beover-molded with plastic, rubber or some other waterproof material.

The combination of the rotor 4044 and the stator 4042 may form agenerator that generates three phase AC power. Alternatively, thegenerator may generate single phase AC power. The air gap between thestator 4042 and the magnet 4104 may be maintained by the magnetic fieldof the magnet 4104 in combination with the shaft 4046 similar to thepreviously discussed examples. The stator 4104 may be coupled with theshaft 4046. Accordingly, upon rotation of the turbine rotor 4038, andtherefore the rotor 4044, the rotating magnetic field induces theproduction of electric power in the winding(s) of the stator 4042. Powergenerated by the generator may be provided on a power supply line 4116.The power supply line 4116 may be electrically connected to thewinding(s) of the stator 4042. The power supply line 4116 may be routedthrough a passage extending along the central axis 4050 through theshaft 4046. In addition to power, the rotation of the rotor 4044 and/orthe power produced may be monitored to perform flow-based measurements,as previously discussed.

During operation, the turbine rotor 4038, and therefore the rotor 4044are configured to rotate around the shaft 4046 and the central axis4050. Accordingly, the turbine rotor 4038 and the rotor 4044 alwaysrotate in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the centralaxis 4050. A first bearing 4120 is coupled with the turbine rotor 4038and is positioned to surround the shaft 4046 proximate the inlet nozzle4034. Coupled with the turbine rotor 4038 opposite the first bearing4120 is a bearing holder 4122. The bearing holder 4122 may be fixedlycoupled with the turbine rotor 4038 with glue, welding, friction fit,snap fit, or any other coupling mechanism. Coupled with the bearingholder 4122 is a second bearing 4126 that is positioned to surround theshaft 4046 proximate the exhaust nozzle 4036 and be disposed in abearing aperture 4127 included in the bearing holder 4122. In otherexamples, the bearing holder 4122 may be positioned proximate the inletnozzle 4034 to hold the first bearing 420, and the turbine rotor 4038 iscoupled with the second bearing 4126. In other words, the configurationof the turbine rotor 4038 may be the reverse of what is illustrated inFIG. 41.

Each of the first and second bearings 4120 and 4126 circumferentiallysurround a portion of the shaft 4046 as best illustrated in FIG. 40. Thebearings 4120 and 4126 may rotate with the turbine rotor 4038, or mayremain stationary with the shaft 4046. As previously discussed, thefirst and second bearings 4120 and 4126 may include ball bearings, ormay be in the form of low friction contact surfaces. The first andsecond bearings 4120 and 4126 may be carbon graphite, Teflon, ballbearings, ceramic, ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene orother similar materials capable of withstanding the rotation of therotor shaft 166. The first and second bearings 4120 and 4126 may belubricated and cooled by liquid flowing through the outer housing 4002.

In FIG. 41, the turbine rotor 4108 is formed to include a sleeve 4124,and the bearing holder 4122 is formed with a collar that is slightlylarger in diameter than the sleeve 4124 so that the collar of thebearing holder 4122 can receive the sleeve 4124.

Liquid may be supplied to the first outer end cap 4008 through an inletorifice 4130. The liquid may be supplied at a predetermined pressure andvelocity dependent on the system from which the liquid is supplied. Forexample, some municipal public water systems operate with water pressurebetween about 414 KPA (60 lbs/sq inch) and about 827 KPA (120 lbs/sqinch). The inlet orifice 4130 may penetrate the outer surface of thefirst outer end cap 4008 perpendicular to the central axis 4050 in orderto introduce a flow of liquid to the center outer enclosure 4006 via thefirst outer end cap 4008.

In FIG. 41, the first outer end cap 4008 includes two inlet orifices4130 to more equally distribute the flow of liquid within the centerouter enclosure 4006 prior to the flow of liquid reaching the inletnozzle 4034. In other examples, any number of inlet orifices 4130 may beused. In addition, the second outer end cap 4010 includes an exitorifice 4132 to channel the flow of liquid out of the outer housing4002. In FIG. 41, the second outer end cap 4010 includes two outletorifices 4132 that penetrate the outer surface of the second outer endcap 4010 substantially perpendicular to the central axis 4050. Thesecond outer end cap 4010 may include two outlet orifices 4132 to moreequally distribute the flow of liquid and avoid any build up of pressurewithin the second outer end cap 4010. In other examples, any number ofoutlet orifices 4132 may be included.

In another example, the outer housing 4002 may be a single unitary piececonstruction that includes the functionality of the center outerenclosure 4006, the first outer end cap 4008 and the second outer endcap 4010. In still another example, the outer housing 4002 may be asingle unitary structure with a passageway therethrough having across-sectional area that is substantially uniform similar to FIG. 9. Inyet another example, the inlet orifice 4130 and the outlet orifice 4132may penetrate the surface of the respective first outer end cap andsecond outer end cap substantially in parallel and/or on the centralaxis 4050 for an inline application. In this example, each of the inletorifice 4130 and the outlet orifice 4132 may include a number ofdifferent sized orifices such that the orifices 4130 and 4132 mayreceive liquid supply and drain pipes of any of a number ofpredetermined diameter, such as 4.76 mm, 9.53 mm, and 12.7 mm. Such aliquid supply pipe may supply the flow of liquid received by theminiature hydro-power generation system 4000, and such a drain pipe maydrain the flow of liquid out of the miniature hydro-power generationsystem 4000 without significant back pressure.

FIGS. 42A and 42B illustrate an example turbine rotor 4038. FIG. 42Aillustrates a view of the turbine rotor 4038 from the inlet nozzle side,and FIG. 42B is a cross-sectional side view of the turbine rotorillustrated in FIG. 42A. The illustrated turbine rotor 4038 is a housingthat includes a plurality of vanes 4202, a base 4204, and a bearingkeeper 4206. The vanes 4202, or paddles, are formed to protrude from thebase 4204 substantially perpendicular to the central axis 4050. Thevanes 4202 are formed with a predetermined shape to receive a flow ofliquid from the inlet nozzle 4034 (FIG. 41). The vanes 4202 may beintegrally formed with the base 4204. For example, where the turbinerotor 4038 is molded with plastic, the vanes 4202 may be spaced andformed to enable formation of the turbine rotor 4038 and the vanes 4202in a single mold with a single molding operation.

The base 4204 forms the outside surface of the turbine rotor 4038, andthe inner surface 4108 to which the magnet 4104 is coupled, aspreviously discussed with reference to FIG. 41. The base 4204 includesthe sleeve 4124, which is formed to enable coupling with the bearingholder 4122 (FIG. 41), as previously discussed. The base 4204 is alsocoupled with the bearing keeper 4206. In FIG. 42B, the base 4204, thebearing keeper 4206, and the sleeve 4124 are formed as a single solitarystructure. In other examples, the base 4204, the bearing keeper 4206,and the sleeve 4124 may be any number of separate parts that are fixedlycoupled. The bearing keeper 4206 is formed to define a bearing aperture4208. The bearing aperture 4208 may be positioned concentric with thecentral axis 4050 and sized to accommodate the first bearing 4120.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 41 and 42, in one example, the first andsecond bearings 4120 and 4128 may be formed to include a first flangethat is larger in diameter than the bearing aperture 4208 of the bearingkeeper 4206 and the bearing aperture 4127 of the bearing holder 4122. Inaddition, the first and second bearings 4120 and 4128 may be formed toinclude a second flange that is about the same size as the bearingaperture 4208 and the bearing aperture 4127, respectively. Thus, thefirst and second bearings 4120 and 4128 may be respectively positionedin the bearing aperture 4208 and the bearing aperture 4127 with thesecond flange protruding through the respective bearing apertures 4208and 4127. The first flange may be operable as a stop to keep the firstand second bearings 4120 and 4128 from further progress into therespective bearing apertures 4127 and 4208.

FIGS. 43A, 43B, 43C and 43D illustrate an example inlet nozzle 4034.FIG. 43A is a front view of the inlet nozzle 4034 depicting an inletchannel 4302. FIG. 43B is a cutaway side view of the inlet nozzle 4034illustrated in FIG. 43A. FIGS. 43C and 43D are perspective top views ofa portion of the inlet nozzle 4034 illustrated in FIG. 43A from twodifferent perspectives to fully depict the features of the inlet nozzle4034. The inlet channel 4302 is formed as an inlet slot to include aninlet slot entrance 4304, and an inlet slot exit 4306. The inlet slotformed with the inlet channel 4302 includes an inner wall 4322 and anouter wall 4324. The inner and outer walls 4322 and 4324 are taperedfrom wider to narrower between the inlet slot entrance 4304 and theinlet slot exit 4306 such that the cross sectional area of the inletslot entrance 4304 is at least twice the cross sectional area of theinlet slot exit 4306 as best illustrated in FIGS. 43C and 43D.

The reduction in cross-sectional area decreases the pressure andincreases the velocity of the flow of liquid by predetermined amountsbased on the pressure and velocity of the flow of liquid at the time theliquid enters the inlet slot entrance 4304. Overall, however, theconstant total pressure across the inlet nozzle 4034 (sum of velocitypressure and static pressure) remains substantially constant due to theefficiency of the inlet nozzle 4034. Since the pressure and velocity ofthe liquid may vary depending on the source of the liquid, a ratio ofthe inlet slot entrance 4304 to the inlet slot exit 4306 may be used toobtain a range of decreased pressures and increased velocities that aresubstantially close to the desired increased velocity and decreasedpressure. In one example, where the liquid is water, the ratio of theinlet slot entrance 4304 to the inlet slot exit 4306 is 8:1 at anexpected liquid flow rate of 4.546 liters (one gallon) per minute at 414KPA (sixty lbs/sq inch). Thus, the velocity of the flow of liquid fromthe source may be increased from a first velocity to a second velocitythat is higher than the first velocity, while the pressure of the flowof liquid from the source may be decreased from a first pressure to asecond pressure that is less than the first pressure.

Since the characteristics of the liquid, as well as the flow rate andpressure of different sources of liquid will vary, a range of liquidsource flow rates and pressures may be developed for a particular liquidfor different ratios using fluid dynamic modeling. Based on thecharacteristics of the turbine rotor 4038 (FIG. 40), the expected loadon the generator and the losses within the miniature hydro-powergeneration system 4000, a range of desired velocity and pressure of theflow of liquid at the inlet slot exit 4306 may be determined. Using therange of desired velocity and pressure of the flow of liquid at theinlet slot exit 4306, based on the expected range of pressure and flowrate of the liquid source, ratios of the inlet slot entrance 4304 to theinlet slot exit 4306 may be developed using fluid dynamic modelingtechniques to achieve a desired flow rate and pressure at the inlet slotexit 4306.

In addition to being tapered, each of the inner and outer walls 4322 and4324 of the inlet channel 4302 also may be formed to have apredetermined arc that changes the direction of the flow of liquid byabout forty-five degrees with respect to the central axis 4050 when theflow of liquid is extruded from the inlet slot exit 4306. Thepredetermined arc of each of the inner wall 4322 and the outer wall 4324is formed to change the direction of flow while minimizing theintroduction of turbulence or other non-laminar flow characteristicsinto the flow of liquid.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 43C and 43D, the inner wall 4322 of theinlet channel 4302 forms an inner arc, and the outer wall 4324 forms anouter arc. The surface of the inner arc is defined by a first radius ofcurvature. The surface of the outer arc is defined by a second radius ofcurvature. In one example, the first radius of curvature of the innerarc may be shorter than the corresponding second radius of curvature ofthe outer arc. In this example, the first radius of curvature may beshorter than the second radius of curvature at every point along therespective arc. In addition, due to the taper, the distance between thefirst radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature maycontinuously or noncontinuously decrease between the inlet slot entrance4304 and the inlet slot exit 4306.

The inner wall 4322 forming the inner arc includes a first arc section4326 and a second arc section 4328. The first arc section 4326 isdisposed in the inlet channel 4302, and the second arc section 4328 isdisposed the inlet slot exit 4306. The first arc section 4326 and thesecond arc section 4328 may not be formed as one continuous arc in theinner wall 4322. Instead, in one example, the first arc section 4326 maybe formed in the inner wall 4322 at a different radius of curvature thanthe second arc section 4328. Alternatively, the first arc section 4326may be formed in the inner wall 4322 at a radius of curvature, and thesecond arc section 4328 may be formed as a flat portion of the innerwall 4322. In still another alternative, the first arc section 4326 andthe second arc section 4328 may be formed in the inner wall 4322 withthe same radius of curvature.

During operation, liquid flowing through the inlet channel 4302 isextruded as a stream from the inlet slot exit 4306. A first portion ofthe flow of liquid may depart the inlet channel 4302 prior to (or upon)reaching the second arc section 4328. A second portion of the flow ofliquid may depart the inlet channel 4302 after flowing past the secondarc section 4328. The liquid departs the inlet slot exit 4306 andimpacts with the vanes of the turbine rotor 4038. In one example, themajority of the flow of liquid departs the inlet channel 4302 aftercontact with the second arc section 4328, and a minority of the flow ofliquid departs the inlet channel 4302 prior to or upon contact with thesecond arc section 4328. Accordingly, a relatively small amount ofkinetic energy is transferred to the rotational energy of the turbinerotor 4038 by the first portion of the flow of liquid followed by arelatively large transfer of kinetic energy by the second portion of theflow of liquid. Thus, a smoother transition of the kinetic energy fromthe flow of liquid to the turbine rotor 4038 occurs and turbulence andother non-laminar flow characteristics in the flow of liquid areminimized. Alternatively, the first portion of the flow of liquid andthe second portion of the flow of liquid may be substantially the sameproviding a similar result of a uniform non-turbulent flow.

Impact with the vanes 4202 further changes the direction of the flow ofliquid by about forty-five degrees with respect to the central axis4050. This change in direction of the flow of liquid maximizes transferof kinetic energy from the flow of liquid to rotation of the turbinerotor 4038. Thus, after being channeled through the inlet channel 4302and impacting the vanes 4202, the direction of the flow of liquid ischanged to flow in a direction that is substantially perpendicular tothe central axis 4050 (or changed by about ninety degrees with respectto the central axis 4050) with the majority of kinetic energy beingtransferred to the turbine rotor 4038.

Before and after the change in direction the flow of liquid turbulenceand/or other non-laminar flow characteristics may be present in the flowof liquid. Thus, the direction of the flow of liquid is changed fromflowing substantially parallel to the central axis 4050 to flowingsubstantially perpendicular to the central axis 4050. In addition, themagnitude of turbulence and/or other non-laminar flow characteristics inthe liquid after changing direction may be more significant than beforethe change in direction, however, the flow of liquid has changeddirections to flow substantially perpendicular to the central axis 4050.Thus, the flow of liquid experiences a predetermined decrease inpressure from the pressure of the source to a desired predeterminedpressure (or range of pressure) and an increase in velocity from thevelocity of the source to a desired predetermined velocity (or range ofvelocity). In addition the flow of liquid experiences a firstpredetermined change in the direction of the flow of the liquid betweenthe inlet slot entrance 4304 and the inlet slot exit 4306, and the flowof liquid experiences a second predetermined change in the direction ofthe flow of the liquid upon impact with the turbine rotor 4038.

As illustrated in FIGS. 43A and 43B, the inlet nozzle 4034 may, forexample, also include a plurality of inlet channels 4302 as illustratedwith dotted arrows in FIG. 43A. The inlet channels 4302 may bedistributed around the inlet nozzle 4034 to each receive a portion ofthe flow of liquid entering the center outer enclosure 4006 (FIG. 40).Each of the inlet channels 4302 may similarly increase the flow ofliquid by a predetermined velocity and correspondingly decrease thepressure, while also changing the direction of the flow of the liquid toimpact with the turbine rotor 4038 at a predetermined angle ofincidence.

The inlet nozzle 4034 may also include a cover 4308, a plurality of ribs4310 and an inlet shaft sleeve 4312. The ribs 4310 and the cover 4308are configured to fixedly maintain the position of the inlet shaftsleeve 4312. In addition, the ribs 4310 reinforce the cover 4308 againstpressure exerted by the flow of liquid that enters the center outerenclosure 4006 (FIG. 40) substantially in parallel with the central axis4050 (FIG. 41). In other examples, the ribs 4310 may be omitted ifstructural reinforcement of the cover 4308 is unnecessary to fixedlyhold the inlet shaft sleeve 4312 in place against axial and/orrotational torque, and to withstand the pressure of a flow of liquid.

During operation, an external surface of the cover 4308, such as a tip,contacts the flow of liquid flowing substantially parallel with thecentral axis 4050 and diverts the flow of liquid outwardly toward theinner wall of the center outer enclosure 4006, as previously discussed.Once diverted, the flow of liquid enters the inlet slot entrance 4304,but remains flowing parallel with the central axis 4050. Following entryinto the inlet slot entrance 4304, the direction of the flow of liquidis diverted away from the central axis 4050 by the walls defining theinlet slot of the inlet channel 4302, and the velocity of the flow ofliquid is increased, while the pressure correspondingly decreases bypredetermined amounts. Thus, the flow of liquid exits the inlet slotexit 4304 at substantially a predetermined pressure and velocity andstrikes the vanes 4202 of the turbine rotor 4038. Following impact withthe vanes 4202, the liquid flows in a direction that is substantiallyperpendicular to the central axis 4050.

The inlet shaft sleeve 4312 is formed to engage and be partiallyenclosed by a center aperture of the first bearing 4120 (FIG. 41). Theinlet shaft sleeve 4312 also includes a key slot 4314. The key slot 4314is formed to receive the shaft 4046 (FIG. 41). In one example, the keyslot 4314 may be keyed with a crescent shaped orifice as illustrated.Upon insertion of the shaft 4046 with a similarly formed feature intothe key slot 4314, the shaft 4046, and thus the stator 4042 may be heldimmobile as the turbine rotor 4038 rotates. The inlet nozzle 4034 mayalso included a strut 4316. The strut 4316 may be concentric with thecentral axis 4050 (FIG. 41) and configured to be engaged with the innerwall of the center outer enclosure 4006 within the first section 4026(FIG. 40). Specifically, the inlet nozzle 4034 may be positioned at theperiphery of the first section 4026 so that the strut 4316 is butted upagainst a shoulder formed between the first section 4026 and the secondsection 4028 of smaller cross sectional area, as best illustrated inFIG. 40.

Referring again to FIGS. 40-42, the flow of liquid, at lower pressureand higher velocity, flowing in a direction substantially perpendicularto the central axis 4050 is directed at the vanes 4202 of the turbinerotor 4038 by the inlet nozzle 4034. The vanes 4202 of the turbine rotor4038 are disposed in a central channel 4054 that is formed by thecombination of the inlet nozzle 4034, the outlet nozzle 4036, the base4204 of the turbine rotor 4038, and the inner wall of the second section4028 of the center outer enclosure 4006. The flow of liquid is extrudedfrom the inlet slot exit 4306 and impacts with the vanes 4202 totransfer kinetic energy in the flow of liquid to the vanes 4202 in orderto rotate the generator in a plane substantially perpendicular to thecentral axis 4050 to produce electric current. Following impact with thevanes 4202, the liquid flows in substantially the same direction, and atsubstantially the velocity of the rotating turbine rotor 4038 within thecentral channel 4054 to the outlet nozzle 4036.

FIGS. 44A, 44B, 44C and 44D illustrate an example outlet nozzle 4036.FIG. 44A is a front view of the outlet nozzle 4036 depicting an outletchannel 4402, FIG. 44B is a cutaway side view of the outlet nozzle 4036illustrated in FIG. 44A, and FIGS. 44C and 44D are perspective top viewsof a portion of the outlet nozzle 4036 illustrated in FIG. 44A from twoslightly different perspectives to fully depict the outlet nozzle 4036.The outlet channel 4402 is formed as an outlet slot to include an outletslot entrance 4404, and an outlet slot exit 4406. Opposite to the inletchannel 4302, the outlet slot formed with the outlet channel 4402includes an inner wall 4422 and an outer wall 4424. The inner and outerwalls 4422 and 4424 are tapered from narrower to wider between theoutlet slot entrance 4404 and the outlet slot exit 4406 such that thecross sectional area of the outlet slot exit 4406 is in a range of aboutone half to about eight times the cross sectional area of the outletslot entrance 4404 as best illustrated in FIGS. 41, 44C, and 44D. In oneexample, the cross sectional area of the outlet slot exit 4406 is aboutfour times the cross sectional area of the outlet slot entrance 4404. Inanother example, the cross sectional area of the outlet slot exit 4406is about five times the cross sectional area of the outlet slot entrance4404.

The expansion in cross-sectional area increases the pressure anddecreases velocity of the flow of liquid by predetermined amounts basedon the pressure and velocity of the flow of liquid at the time theliquid enters the outlet slot entrance 4404. In one example, thepressure is increased to a magnitude that is less than pressure of thesource of the flow of liquid, but greater than the pressure in thecentral channel 4054. In this example, the velocity is decreased back tosubstantially the velocity of the flow of liquid from the source of theflow of liquid. The difference in pressure between the pressure of theflow of liquid in the central channel 4054, and the pressure of the flowof liquid in the outlet nozzle 4036 may be determined based on theamount of electrical power desired to be extracted from the flow ofliquid with the miniature hydro-power generation system 4000. Similar tothe inlet nozzle 4034, the total pressure (sum of the velocity pressureand the static pressure) across the outlet nozzle 4036 remainssubstantially constant due to the efficient of the outlet channel 4402.

The larger the amount of electrical power to be generated, the higherthe pressure increase will be due to the extraction of larger amounts ofkinetic energy from the flow of liquid and because the velocity isreturned to be substantially equal to the velocity at the inlet nozzle4034. In one example, the difference in pressure between the pressure ofliquid at the inlet slot entrance 4304 of the inlet nozzle 4034 (FIG.43C) and the outlet slot exit 4406 of the outlet nozzle 4036 may bebetween about 34 KPA (5 lbs/sq inch) and about 275 KPA (40 lbs/sq inch).In the example illustrated in FIGS. 44A, 44C and 44D, the outlet slotentrance 4404 and the outlet slot exit 4406 are partially aligned alonga plane that is parallel to the central axis 4050 to provide the desireddifference in pressure between the central channel 4054 and the thirdsection 4030 of the center outer enclosure 4006.

Accordingly, liquid flowing in the central channel 4054 (FIG. 40)readily enters the outlet slot entrance 4404 due to the lower pressurein the third section 4030 of the center outer enclosure 4006 (FIG. 40).Since the pressure and velocity of the liquid may vary depending on theconfiguration of the inlet channel 4034 and the source of the liquid, afluid dynamic model, and a ratio of the outlet slot entrance 4404 to theoutlet slot exit 4406 may be used to obtain a range of pressure andvelocity that is substantially close the desired range of velocity andpressure drop.

In addition to being tapered, the inner wall 4422 and the outer wall4424 of the outlet channel 4402 are also formed to have a predeterminedarc that changes the direction of the flow of liquid from beingsubstantially perpendicular to the central axis 4050 while flowing inthe central channel 4054 (FIG. 40) to being substantially parallel withthe central axis 4050 as best illustrated in FIGS. 41, 43A, 43C and 43D.The predetermined arc of the inner wall 4422 defines a radius ofcurvature that is larger than the predetermined arc that defines theradius of curvature of the outer wall 4424. In addition, the distancebetween the predetermined arc of the inner wall 4422 and thepredetermined arc of the outer wall 4424 may continuously ornon-continuously increasing between the outlet slot entrance 4404 andthe outlet slot exit 4406. Thus, the inner wall 4422 and the outer wall4424 are formed to cooperatively operate to change the direction of flowwhile minimizing the introduction of turbulence or other non-laminarflow characteristics into the flow of liquid.

Before and after the change in direction of the flow of liquidturbulence and/or other non-laminar flow characteristics may be presentin the flow of liquid. Thus, the direction of the flow of liquid ischanged from flowing substantially perpendicular to the central axis4050 to flowing substantially parallel to the central axis 4050. Inaddition, the magnitude of turbulence and/or other non-laminar flow inthe liquid after changing direction may be more or less significant thanbefore the change in direction, however, the flow of liquid has changeddirections to flow substantially parallel to the central axis 4050.Thus, the flow of liquid experiences a predetermined decrease inpressure and velocity, and a predetermined change in the direction ofthe flow of the liquid between the outlet slot entrance 4404 and theoutlet slot exit 4406.

The geometry of the outlet channel 4402 in the outlet nozzle 4036maximizes recovery of the pressure as the velocity of the flow of liquidslows and returns to the velocity of the flow of liquid at the inletslot entrance 4304 of the inlet nozzle 4034. The increase in pressure ofthe flow of liquid and the corresponding decrease in velocity of theflow of liquid occurs between the outlet slot entrance 4404 and outletslot exit 4406 of outlet nozzle 4036. Accordingly, the outlet channel4402 of the outlet nozzle 4036 effectively converts velocity topressure. Thus, during operation, a flow of liquid received at the inletnozzle 4034 having a first pressure and a first velocity is channeled bythe inlet nozzle 4034 and the first velocity is increased to a secondvelocity greater than the first velocity. In addition, the firstpressure is decreased to a second pressure that is less than the firstpressure by the inlet nozzle 4034. Upon receipt of the flow of liquidwith the outlet nozzle 4036, the outlet nozzle 4036 channels the flow ofliquid such that the second velocity is returned to substantially thesame as the first velocity, and the second pressure is increased to athird pressure that is less than the first pressure, but greater thanthe second pressure due to the kinetic energy imparted on the vanes 4202of the turbine.

In FIGS. 44A and 44B, the outlet nozzle 4036 may, for example, alsoinclude a plurality of outlet channels 4402 as illustrated with dottedarrows in FIG. 44A. The outlet channels 4402 may be distributed aroundthe outlet nozzle 4036 to each receive a portion of the flow of liquidfrom the central channel 4054 (FIG. 40). Each of the outlet channels4402 may similarly provide an increase in pressure and a correspondingdecrease in velocity of the flow of liquid, while also changing thedirection of the flow of the liquid back to being substantially parallelwith the central axis 4050.

The outlet nozzle 4036 may also include a cover 4408, a plurality ofribs 4410 and an outlet shaft sleeve 4412. The ribs 4410 and the cover4408 are configured to fixedly maintain the position of the outlet shaftsleeve 4412. In addition, the ribs 4410 reinforce the cover 4308 againstaxial and rotational or angular force exerted on the shaft 4046 (FIG.40). In other examples, the ribs 4410 may be omitted if structuralreinforcement of the cover 4408 is unnecessary to fixedly hold theoutlet shaft sleeve 4412 in place and withstand the axial and rotationaltorque.

During operation, liquid flows circumferentially around the outside ofthe generator in the central channel 4054 (FIG. 40) until the outletslot entrance 4404 is reached. The flow of liquid in the central channel4054 enters the outlet slot entrance 4404. Following entry into theoutlet slot entrance 4404, the direction of the flow of liquid isdiverted away from being substantially perpendicular to the central axis4050 by the inner and outer walls 4422 and 4424 defining the outlet slotof the outlet channel 4402, and the pressure is increased, while thevelocity of the flow of liquid is decreased due to the increasing crosssectional area of the outlet channel 4402. Thus, the flow of liquidexits the outlet slot exit 4406 at substantially a predeterminedpressure and velocity, and flowing in a direction that is substantiallyperpendicular to the rotation of the vanes 4202 (FIG. 42A).

The outlet shaft sleeve 4412 is formed to engage a center aperture ofthe second bearing 4122 (FIG. 41) with an outer surface of the outletshaft sleeve 4412 being disposed in the center aperture of the secondbearing 4122. The outlet shaft sleeve 4412 may also include a passageway4414 formed to receive a fastener, such as a screw (not shown).Referring once again to FIGS. 40 and 44B, such a fastener may also bereceived in the passageway 4414 of the outlet nozzle 4036. The fastenermay be a screw or some other mechanism capable of being coupled with theshaft 4046. Thus, the shaft 4046 is configured with an aperture 4056 toreceive the fastener, such as with a threaded aperture when the fasteneris a threaded screw.

The coupling between the fastener and the shaft 4046 may be adjusted toadjust the width of the central channel 4054 in which the vanes 4202(FIG. 42) are rotatably disposed. In other words, the fastener may beused to adjust the position of the outlet nozzle 4036 with respect tothe inlet nozzle 4034. Preferably, the distance between the outletnozzle 4036 and the inlet nozzle 4034 is adjusted to allow the vanes4202 of the turbine rotor 4038 to freely rotate in the central channel4054 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 4050.

Referring again to FIGS. 44A-44D, similar to the inlet nozzle 4034, theoutlet nozzle 4036 may also included a strut 4416. The strut 4416 may beconcentric with the central axis 4050 and configured to be engaged withthe inner wall of the center outer enclosure 4006 within the secondsection 4028 (FIG. 40). Specifically, the outlet nozzle 4036 may bepositioned at the periphery of the second section 4028 so that the strut4416 is butted up against a shoulder formed between the second section4028 and the third section 4030 of smaller cross sectional, area, asbest illustrated in FIG. 40.

Referring again to FIGS. 40-42, following impact with the vanes 4202,the liquid flows in substantially the same direction, and atsubstantially the velocity of the rotating turbine rotor 4038 within thecentral channel 4054. Upon circulating around the outer circumference ofthe generator with the vanes 4202 in the outlet channel 4402 in adirection substantially perpendicular to the central axis 4050, the flowof liquid enters the outlet slot entrance 4404, and is channeled throughthe outlet nozzle 4036 to the outlet slot exit 4406. In the process ofbeing channeled to the outlet slot exit 4406, the pressure is increasedto a predetermined value, the velocity is decreased to a predeterminedvalue, and the direction of the flow of liquid is restored to besubstantially parallel with the central axis 4050. As the flow of theliquid is restored to flow in parallel with the central axis 4050,turbulence and other non-laminar behavior in the flow of liquid isminimized due to the configuration of the outlet channel 4402. Due tominimization of non-laminar behavior in the flow of liquid, thepredetermined lower pressure and velocity may be maintained consistentlyduring operation.

While the present invention has been described with reference tospecific exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thefollowing claims, including all equivalents, which are intended todefine the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A miniature hydro-power generation system, comprising: a housing comprising an outer surface; an inlet nozzle forming a portion of the outer surface of the housing; an outlet nozzle also forming a portion of the outer surface of the housing; a plurality of paddles formed with a base, the base rotatably disposed between the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle to form a portion of the outer surface, so that the paddles extend outwardly from a central axis of the housing in a channel formed between the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle; and a generator comprising a stator and a rotor, at least one of the stator and the rotor rotatably disposed within the channel and coupled with at least one of the paddles and the base, the stator positioned proximate the rotor to form the generator.
 2. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 1, wherein the housing is disposed in an outer enclosure having a first section formed with a first cross-sectional area, and a second section formed with a second cross-sectional area, the outlet nozzle coupled with and extending into the first section, and the inlet nozzle coupled with and extending into the second section, the cross-sectional area of the second section being larger than the cross-sectional area of the first section.
 3. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 2, wherein the outer enclosure includes a third section positioned between the first section and the second section, the third section have a cross-sectional area larger than the first section and smaller than the second section.
 4. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 1, wherein the inlet nozzle comprises an inlet channel configured to receive a flow of liquid flowing in a first direction and channel the flow of liquid to the channel to impact the paddles at a predetermined angle, the flow of liquid flowing in the channel in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction after impact.
 5. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 1, wherein the inlet nozzle comprises an inlet channel configured to receive a flow of liquid flowing in a direction substantially parallel with the central axis of the housing, divert the flow of liquid by about forty five degrees from the direction substantially parallel with the central axis, and direct the flow of liquid to impact the paddles in the channel, the paddles rotatable in the channel perpendicular to the direction substantially parallel with the central axis.
 6. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 1, wherein the inlet nozzle comprises an inlet channel that includes an inner wall, an outer wall and an inlet slot exit, the inner wall comprising a first arc with a first predetermined radius of curvature and a second arc with a second predetermined radius of curvature that is different than the first predetermined radius of curvature of the first arc, the first arc configured to direct a first portion of the flow of liquid out of the inlet slot exit, and the second arc configured to direct a second portion of the flow of liquid out of the inlet slot exit.
 7. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 1, wherein the combination of the inlet nozzle, the base, and the outlet nozzle substantially complete the outer surface of the housing.
 8. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 1, further comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end and being positioned along the central axis of the housing, the first end of the shaft coupled with the inlet nozzle, and the second end of the shaft coupled with the outlet nozzle.
 9. A miniature hydro-power generation system, comprising: an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle forming part of a housing; a shaft having a first end and a second end and being positioned along a central axis of the housing, the first end of the shaft coupled with the inlet nozzle, and the second end of the shaft coupled with the outlet nozzle; a plurality of paddles rotatably disposed between the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle and coupled with the shaft, the paddles extending outwardly away from the central axis of the housing in a channel formed to circumferentially surround at least a part of the shaft between the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle; and a generator comprising a stator and a rotor, at least one of the stator and the rotor rotatably disposed within the channel and coupled with the paddles, the stator positioned proximate the rotor to form the generator.
 10. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 9, wherein the central channel is formed in a plane that is substantially perpendicular with the central axis so that the paddles and the at least one of the rotor and the stator rotate around the shaft.
 11. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 9, further comprising a first bearing and a second bearing surrounding the shaft and configured to enable rotation of the paddles and the at least one of the rotor and the stator around the shaft.
 12. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 9, wherein the inlet nozzle is configured to receive a flow of liquid flowing in a first direction substantially parallel with the central axis of the housing, and further configured to change the flow of liquid to a second direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the housing.
 13. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 9, wherein the paddles are integrally formed as part of a turbine rotor, the turbine rotor also formed to include a bearing holder, the bearing holder formed to receive a bearing that surrounds the shaft.
 14. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 9, wherein the paddles are integrally formed as part of a turbine rotor, and the channel is defined by the inlet nozzle, the outlet nozzle and the turbine rotor.
 15. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 9, further comprising a rotatable base having an outer surface and an inner surface, the paddles coupled with the outer surface, and the at least one of the rotor and the stator coupled with the inner surface.
 16. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 15, wherein the rotatable base includes a central aperture through which the shaft extends between the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle.
 17. A miniature hydro-power generation system, comprising: an outer housing; an inner housing disposed within the outer housing, the inner housing comprising an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle fixedly coupled with the outer housing; the inner housing further comprising a turbine rotor that includes a plurality of paddles disposed in a central channel formed by the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle, the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle configured to surround a portion of the turbine rotor; the combination of the inlet nozzle, the outlet nozzle, and the turbine rotor configured to form the inner housing and a cavity inside the inner housing; a shaft coupled with the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle and extending through the turbine rotor, the turbine rotor rotatable within the outer housing around the shaft; and a generator comprising a stator and a rotor, at least one of the stator and the rotor disposed within the turbine rotor, the stator positioned proximate the rotor to form the generator.
 18. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 17, wherein the generator includes a permanent magnet, the permanent magnet coupled to an inner surface of the turbine rotor.
 19. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 17, wherein the turbine rotor includes a bearing aperture formed to receive a bearing, the bearing surrounding the shaft.
 20. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 19, wherein the inlet nozzle comprises an inlet shaft sleeve formed to engage and be partially enclosed by the bearing.
 21. The miniature hydro-power generation system of claim 17, wherein the outer housing becomes progressively smaller from the inlet nozzle to the outlet nozzle so that shoulders are formed to maintain the position of the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle in the outer housing.
 22. A method of generating power with a miniature hydro-power generation system comprising: providing an enclosure that defines an interior chamber; receiving at an inlet nozzle coupled with the enclosure a flow of liquid flowing substantially in parallel with a central axis of the enclosure; directing the flow of liquid into a central channel with the inlet nozzle to rotate a turbine rotor such that the flow of liquid flows axially around the central axis of the enclosure in the central channel, the central channel formed in the enclosure; rotating the turbine rotor axially around the central axis of the enclosure using the flow of liquid; generating electric power with a generator comprising a stator and a rotor, at least one of the stator and the rotor disposed in the rotating turbine rotor, the stator positioned proximate the rotor to form the generator; receiving the flow of liquid from the central channel with an outlet nozzle coupled with the enclosure; and channeling the flow of liquid with the outlet nozzle to flow out of the enclosure substantially parallel with the central axis of the enclosure.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein rotating the turbine rotor axially around the central axis of the enclosure in the central channel using the flow of liquid comprises flowing the flow of liquid in the central channel at a velocity that is substantially equal to a rotational velocity of the turbine rotor.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein receiving at the inlet nozzle coupled with the enclosure a flow of liquid comprises adjusting the flow of liquid to a predetermined pressure and velocity with the inlet nozzle; and wherein receiving the flow of liquid from the central channel with the outlet nozzle comprises increasing the predetermined pressure to a predetermined higher pressure while reducing the predetermined velocity to a predetermined lower velocity with the outlet nozzle.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein adjusting the flow of liquid to the predetermined pressure and velocity with the inlet nozzle comprises decreasing the pressure and increasing the velocity of the flow of liquid.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein directing the flow of liquid into the central channel with the inlet nozzle comprises channeling the flow of liquid into the interior chamber.
 27. The method of claim 22, wherein directing the flow of liquid into the central channel comprises changing a direction of flow of the flow of liquid from flowing substantially in parallel with the central axis to flowing axially around at least part of the central axis of the enclosure.
 28. The method of claim 22, wherein rotating the turbine rotor axially around the central axis of the enclosure comprises rotating the turbine rotor within the interior chamber between the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle.
 29. The method of claim 22, wherein rotating the turbine rotor axially around the central axis comprises extracting kinetic energy from the flow of liquid while the liquid flows in the central channel with the rotating turbine rotor. 